SAN MARIANO, Isabela – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 (DSWD FO2) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Mariano, Isabela regarding the implementation of the Food Stamp Program (FSP), on 15 January 2024.

The FSP or the “Walang Gutom 2027” program aims to reduce voluntary hunger among poor households by providing financial assistance amounting to P3,000 food credits in their Electronic Benefit Cards. Beneficiaries of the program can use the card to purchase food from accredited and partner merchants.

Moreover, DSWD has chosen the municipality of San Mariano as one among the five municipalities in the country, for FSP’s pilot implementation. The municipality was chosen due to it being a Geographically Isolated Area with higher need for food assistance.

It can also be noted that San Mariano was one of the chosen municipalities during the pilot implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and other major programs of the agency.

“Not only will our beneficiaries benefit from this program but also, the whole people of San Mariano. Farmers and micro entrepreneurs will have a chance to serve the people while enhancing their livelihood.” Hon. Edgar T. Go, Municipal Mayor, said as he expressed his gratitude.

Furthermore, DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Eduardo M. Punay, stated that, “The Food Stamp

Program does not only aim to address the issue on the lack of food and resources, but also the issue on malnutrition; because DSWD aims to help the Filipinos, from womb to tomb. That’s why our agency hopes for the successful collaboration with LGU San Mariano in order to accomplish this responsibility.”

Also present in the activity were Regional Director Lucia Suyu-Alan, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Franco G. Lopez, and Municipal Vice Mayor Dean Anthony G. Domalanta.