First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos Leads DSWD “Walang Gutom 2027” Launch at MICE, Quezon City

With QC Mayor Joy Belmonte and DSWD Sec. Rex Gatchalian, Government Pushes for Zero Hunger by 2027

*QUEZON CITY, July 17, 2026* — The *Department of Social Welfare and Development - DSWD* held a national stakeholder briefing for the *“Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program”* today at the *MICE Center, Quezon City*, led by *First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos* as Guest of Honor.

Joining her were *Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte* and *DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian*, along with LGU officials, partner agencies, CSOs, and private sector stakeholders.

The event signals the government’s intensified push to achieve *Zero Hunger by 2027* and provide dignified food assistance to 1 million food-poor Filipino families.

 *“FOOD WITH DIGNITY” FOR FILIPINO FAMILIES*

In her message, *First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos* emphasized that the program is more than just aid.

“_Ang Walang Gutom 2027 ay para matiyak na walang pamilyang matutulog na gutom. Binibigyan natin sila hindi lang ng pagkain, kundi ng pagpipilian at dignidad,_” the First Lady said.

Under the program, beneficiaries receive a *₱3,000 monthly Electronic Benefit Transfer - EBT Card* instead of relief packs. The card can be used to buy rice, vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs, milk, and other nutritious food in DSWD-accredited stores.

 *QC AND DSWD: PARTNERS IN FOOD SECURITY*

*Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte* pledged the city’s full support for validation, monitoring, and rollout in barangays.

“_Sa Quezon City, food security is a priority. We welcome Walang Gutom 2027 because it empowers families to choose what to eat while we teach them proper nutrition. Walang maiiwan,_” Mayor Belmonte stated.

*DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian* explained the program’s 3 components: 

1. *₱3,000 Monthly Food E-Voucher* 

2. *Nutrition Education* - required monthly counseling and cooking demos

3. *Data-Driven Monitoring* - to track purchases and nutrition outcomes

“_By 2027, our goal is clear: 1 million families lifted from food poverty. This is a whole-of-nation approach,_” Sec. Gatchalian said.

 *WHO CAN BE BENEFICIARIES?*

Priority households include:

- *Food-poor families* in Listahanan 3 

- *Households with pregnant, lactating mothers, and children 0-5 years old*

- *Senior Citizens and PWDs* with no regular income

- *4Ps beneficiaries* who remain food insecure

Eligible families will be contacted directly by DSWD and their LGU. *No payment or fees are required* to join.# *NEXT STEPS*

Following the MICE launch, DSWD will roll out regional orientations and onboard more partner groceries and community stores nationwide. 

The public may coordinate with their *City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office* or *DSWD Field Office* for questions.

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