The Unwavering Focus Why Poverty and Hunger Remain DSWD's Top Priority

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The Unwavering Focus Why Poverty and Hunger Remain DSWD's Top Priority

As the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to strive towards reducing poverty incidence to a single digit by 2028, its unwavering commitment to addressing the persistent issues of poverty and hunger remains unrelenting. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasizes the department's dedication to contributing to this goal, continually innovating and enhancing programs to achieve the government's objectives.

The Persistent Reality of Poverty and Hunger

Recent survey results from the Social Weather Stations (SWS) reveal that a staggering 14.4 million Filipino families, or approximately 52% of the total population, self-rated themselves as poor. Moreover, 27.2% reported experiencing involuntary hunger at least once in the three-month period. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address poverty and hunger, ensuring that the most vulnerable segments of society are supported.

Interventions for Poverty Alleviation Empowering Families

The DSWD has implemented various interventions to help families achieve self-sufficiency. For instance, national government agencies collaborated to conduct nationwide job fairs for graduating families of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This initiative aims to provide employment opportunities and reduce dependence on government assistance.

Combating Hunger Innovative Solutions

The DSWD has also recognized the need to aggressively address hunger. The Walang Gutom Program (WGP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, continues to be implemented, providing assistance to those struggling with food insecurity. Moreover, the recently launched Walang Gutom Kitchen creatively repurposes surplus food donations from hotels, restaurants, and organizations into hot meals for those in need.

Progress Towards Single-Digit Poverty A Reason for Optimism

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority's Family Income and Expenditure Survey, the government is on track to achieve single-digit poverty incidence by 2028. Following a drop in poverty rates to 15.5% in 2023 from 18.1% in 2022, fewer people are struggling to afford basic needs like food and essentials.

Conclusion

The DSWD's unwavering focus on addressing poverty and hunger is crucial in achieving the government's objectives. Through innovative programs and interventions, the department aims to reduce the incidence of poverty and alleviate the suffering of those affected by hunger. As we move towards a future with single-digit poverty, it is essential that we continue to prioritize these critical issues.

Keywords Poverty, Hunger, DSWD, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Walang Gutom Program, Food Security

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.