President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has declared "Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program" of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as his administration's flagship program.
The declaration was enclosed in Executive Order No. 44, s. 2023 dated Oct. 12 but released on Oct. 15.
"The successful implementation of the Food Stamp Program requires a whole-of-government approach that will enjoin all national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to participate and support the said Program," the order reads.
Thus, all relevant NGAs and LGUs are directed "to provide full support to, and cooperation with the DSWD to ensure the effective implementation" of the "Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program".
"To monitor compliance of this Order, all relevant NGAs shall submit regular reports to the DSWD, while participating LGUs are hereby enjoyed to submit reports to the DSWD, through the Department of Interior and Local Government, regarding the status of the implementation of the Food Stamp Program," the EO No. 44 stated.
The order also allowed the social welfare and development agency to have an additional manpower or additional positions necessary for the flagship program's administration and operation.
DSWD along with relevant government agencies are mandated to create rules and regulations for the implementation of EO No. 44.
The current and available appropriations of the social welfare and development agency and other agencies shall fund the implementation of the order.
"This order shall take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation," it stated.
EO No. 44 was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for Marcos Jr.
