MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 44, October 12, 2023 ]
ESTABLISHING THE "WALANG GUTOM 2027 : FOOD STAMP PROGRAM" AS A FLAGSHIP PROGRAM OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
WHEREAS, Section 11, Article XIII of the Constitution provides that the State shall make essential goods and other social services available to all the people at affordable costs;
WHEREAS, Paragraph 2, Article II of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights provides that States Parties recognize the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger, and shall take, individually and through international cooperation, measures to improve methods of production, conservation and food distribution;
WHEREAS, the Philippines has fully committed to realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 2 of ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030;
WHEREAS, one of the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Administration's 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda is to ensure food security and proper nutrition in the country, by providing accessible, safe and nutritious food for all Filipinos;
WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 292 or the "Administrative Code of 1987" mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate, develop, and implement plans, programs, and projects on social welfare and development aimed to providing assistance to the most vulnerable members of society;
WHEREAS, the Walang Gutom 2027 : Food Stamp Program" is one of the major programs of the DSWD, which aims to decrease the incidence of involuntary hunger experienced by low-income households, through the provision of monetary-based assistance in the form of Electronic Benefit Transfer cards which can be used to purchased select food commodities from eligible partner merchant stores;
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all Executive departments, bureaus and offices, and the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order:
Section 1. Flagship Program. The "Walang Gutom 2027 : Food Stamp Program" of the DSWD is hereby declared as a Flagship Program of the National Government. The DSWD, as the primary government entity responsible for the implementation and management of social welfare and development programs in the country, shall be the lead implementing agency of the Food Stamp Program.
The DSWD shall undertake the necessary steps for the successful implementation and expansion of the Food Stamp Program, including but not limited to the identification of eligible beneficiaries and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps.
Section 2. Convergence. The DSWD shall engage and partner with all relevant NGAs, LGUs and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the Food Stamp Program. To this end, all relevant NGAs are hereby directed, while all participating LGUs are hereby enjoined, to provide full support to, and cooperation with the DSWD to ensure the effective implementation of this Order.
Section 3. Reports. To monitor compliance of this Order, all relevant NGAs shall submit regular reports to the DSWD, while participating LGUs are hereby enjoined to submit reports to the DSWD, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government, regarding the status of the implementation of the Food Stamp Program.
Section 4. Additional Manpower. The DSWD shall determine the appropriate staffing pattern and corresponding qualification standards for the creation of additional positions necessary for the administration and operation of the Food Stamp Program, and submit to the Department of Budget and Management, for review and approval the proposed changes in the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the DSWD, subject to compliance with relevant laws, rules and regulations.
Section 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within thirty (30) working days from the effectivity of this Order, the DSWD, in coordination with relevant government agencies, shall formulate the rules and regulations necessary to implement this Order.
Section 6. Funding. The funding requirements for the implementation of this Order shall be charged against current and available appropriations of the DSWD and its partner, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations. Thereafter, the funding requirements necessary for the continued implementation of this Order shall be included in the budget proposals of said agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.1aшphi1
Section 7. Separability. If any part or provision of this Order shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 8. Repeal. All orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 9. Effectivity. This Order shall take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
DONE, in the City of Manila, this 12th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Three.
(SGD.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.
By the President:
(SGD.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary
The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation
