Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
Food stamp program to address wastage due to agri products oversupply, says DSWD chief
Philippines
National
Food stamp program to address wastage due to agri products oversupply, says DSWD chief
Food stamp program to address wastage due to agri products oversupply, says DSWD chief
Published Jun 7, 2023 09:33 am
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday, June 7 said that one objective of the Food Stamp Program (FSP) is to address the oversupply of agricultural products, which frequently go to waste due to lack of market.
“We are aware of the reports that farmers often have oversupply in tomatoes or squash without buyers. That’s why in this program, we aim to shape a solution where we can also help. We will lessen the wastage from our farmlands,” Gatchalian said in a media forum.
He said the DSWD is working closely with the Department of Agriculture to encourage local farmers to become active participants in the FSP’s implementation.
According to Gatchalian, the FSP was originally intended to prioritize “farmers-driven stores,” such as those operated by the Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Agri-Coop, as outlets where beneficiaries could buy goods and products.
“We need to establish a connection between the farmers and the tables of poor Filipinos, ensuring that their products reach those in need,” he said.
(Noel B. Pabalate/Manila Bulletin File Photo)
Gatchalian hopes that the “farm-to-table concept” will provide a platform for local farmers and fisherfolk to sell their agricultural products while also addressing the country’s hunger problem. “This is a program that is also meant to help our farmers,” he said. The digital food stamp, which is worth P3,000 in food credit, aims to enable poor families to buy food and goods based on their preferences. Gatchalian said the FSP will allow the government to provide “food supplement to 1 million Filipino families who are considered food-poor.” The program’s beneficiaries were chosen based on the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, or those considered food-poor Filipino families with an income of less than P8,000. The program will be pilot-tested in various areas for six months.
(Noel B. Pabalate/Manila Bulletin File Photo)
Gatchalian hopes that the “farm-to-table concept” will provide a platform for local farmers and fisherfolk to sell their agricultural products while also addressing the country’s hunger problem. “This is a program that is also meant to help our farmers,” he said. The digital food stamp, which is worth P3,000 in food credit, aims to enable poor families to buy food and goods based on their preferences. Gatchalian said the FSP will allow the government to provide “food supplement to 1 million Filipino families who are considered food-poor.” The program’s beneficiaries were chosen based on the Family Income and Expenditure Survey, or those considered food-poor Filipino families with an income of less than P8,000. The program will be pilot-tested in various areas for six months.