Imagine going to sleep with a full stomach, knowing your children had nutritious meals today—and will again tomorrow.
That’s the hope behind the DSWD’s REFUEL Project, short for Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers.
This project is an upgraded version of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), approved by the National Economic and Development Authority’s Cabinet-level Committee and supported by international partners like the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OPEC-FID).
The program is free of charge for qualified food-poor families.
Instead of receiving food packs, eligible households get ₱3,000 worth of food credits every month through an electronic card.
This card can be used at accredited partner stores to buy specific food items that support healthy eating.
Who Is It For?
If your family struggles with putting food on the table, this program is designed for you.
The REFUEL Project focuses on households that fall under the category of “food-poor”, meaning families that lack regular access to safe, affordable, and nutritious meals.
As of now, 300,000 households are already benefiting from this system.
By 2028, the target is to reach 750,000 food-poor families.
The program gives priority to low-income households that often fall through the cracks—those who might not be part of other government feeding programs but still face daily hunger.
How Does It Work?
It starts with an EBT card—short for Electronic Benefit Transfer.
This is like a debit card, but instead of money, it holds food credits worth ₱3,000 every month.
But here’s the twist:
You can’t spend this on anything.
The credits are set for specific food groups like:
- Rice and whole grains
- Protein sources like meat, eggs, and fish
- Vegetables and fruits
- Dairy or fortified alternatives
This helps ensure families aren’t just full—they’re nourished.
To use the card, beneficiaries simply go to any partner grocery or sari-sari store, pick the food items from the allowed list, and swipe the card at the checkout.
What Makes It Different?
We’ve seen feeding programs before, but the REFUEL Project has a few unique features:
- Nutrition-Focused Choices
The food credits aren’t for just any item. They’re carefully divided among healthy food groups to ensure balance and variety. - Education Beyond Relief
Each family also attends nutrition education sessions. These are short but informative talks that teach practical tips—like how to stretch meals, cook healthy on a budget, and build a balanced plate. - Built-In Dignity
With this system, families can choose their own food. They’re not handed a fixed pack. They get to decide what their household needs, within healthy guidelines. - Long-Term Vision
This isn’t just a relief program.
It’s designed to build better food habits, shift behaviors, and break the cycle of malnutrition—especially for children.
A Glimpse of the Future
The government doesn’t plan to stop at ₱3,000.
There are ongoing talks within the DSWD to increase the monthly food credits, depending on inflation, food prices, and family size.
This shows how serious the agency is in fighting food insecurity, not just treating it like a seasonal issue.
With the president’s goal of a hunger-free nation by 2028, programs like REFUEL play a huge role in turning that promise into action.
What This Means for Families
For mothers juggling bills and meals.
For fathers trying to stretch small incomes.
For students whose focus drifts because of empty stomachs.
This program is more than a handout—it’s a lifeline.
It lets families breathe.
It puts power in their hands.
It gives them more than food.
It gives them a chance to grow in health and dignity.
How to Check If You Qualify
As of now, the program is identifying eligible households through:
- DSWD’s Listahanan or National Household Targeting System
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Community health workers
If you’re already receiving assistance or fall under food-poor metrics, you may be included in the next wave of beneficiaries.
Stay updated through your barangay or municipal DSWD office.
Why Electronic Vouchers?
Because food insecurity isn’t just about lack of supply—it’s also about lack of access and choice.
By using e-vouchers, the DSWD ensures that:
- The system is transparent
- Transactions can be tracked
- Beneficiaries receive full value
- Partner stores follow price and product guidelines
This prevents abuse and makes sure the help reaches the right hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I still apply if I’m already part of another DSWD program?
Yes. Being part of other programs like 4Ps doesn’t automatically exclude you. Each case is assessed individually. - Do the food credits expire every month?
Yes. The ₱3,000 credit is monthly and resets. Unused amounts do not roll over, so it’s best to use them within the month. - Can I choose any store to buy from?
No. Only accredited partner stores can process the EBT card transactions. A list is usually provided by the local DSWD office. - Can I use the credits to buy other non-food items like soap or diapers?
No. The food credits are strictly for selected food items only, divided by nutritional categories.
Conclusion
Hunger is not just a stomach problem.
It’s a dignity problem.
A focus problem.
A future problem.
The REFUEL Project dares to believe that no family should have to choose between food and everything else.
With nutrition at its core and choice at its heart, it’s more than a program—it’s a promise.