Commemorating World Food Day, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today officially launched the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) Project, a crucial initiative designed to dramatically expand the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) flagship Walang Gutom Program (WGP).
The launch took place during a “Kamustahan” event at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila, where President Marcos met with nearly 200 WGP beneficiaries and observed the program’s innovative, high-tech operation firsthand. The REFUEL Project aims to accelerate the WGP’s reach, setting an initial goal of expanding coverage to 750,000 food-poor households by 2026—more than doubling the current 300,000 beneficiaries. The administration ultimately targets enrolling up to one million families.
“This program seamlessly combines food assistance, the provision of affordable meals, with crucial nutrition education so our citizens understand what they need to eat to strengthen their bodies and ensure robust health,” President Marcos stated.
The Walang Gutom Program provides beneficiaries with PhP3,000 in monthly electronic food credits delivered through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. This card is used exclusively at accredited partner retailers to purchase essential, nutritious food items.
President Marcos also highlighted the program’s success, citing a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by Globe and Monde Nissin. The survey showed a steady decline in self-reported hunger rates among WGP beneficiaries: from 48.7 percent in October 2024, the rate dropped to 44.6 percent in December 2024, and further decreased to 41.5 percent in March 2025.
The program’s automated system, which allows beneficiaries to easily track balances, review purchases, and plan meals digitally, was also inspected by the President, marking a significant modernization of food aid distribution.
“The results have been very encouraging. That is why we are committed to continually expanding our assistance to our fellow citizens who need it most,” the President added.
The Marcos administration expressed its gratitude to international partners for their vital support and financing of the REFUEL Project, specifically acknowledging the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the OPEC Fund. The WGP stands as a core government initiative, utilizing technology and education to ensure the fight against hunger is both sustainable and inclusive.
About the Walang Gutom Program (WGP)
The WGP is a flagship social protection program under the Marcos administration, combining direct food assistance, modern electronic benefit transfer technology, and comprehensive nutrition education to sustainably address hunger and undernutrition across the Philippines.
