The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is using a “whole-of-society” approach to fight poverty and hunger.
This means working together with other government agencies, the private sector, and everyday citizens.
Key programs like 4Ps and Walang Gutom focus on education, nutrition, and job readiness for low-income families.
What Is the Whole-of-Society Approach?
DSWD’s “whole-of-society” approach brings together different sectors—government, businesses, and civic groups.
It supports national goals:
- Reducing poverty to single digits
- Ending hunger by 2028
This method boosts program reach, makes services more efficient, and ensures communities stay involved.
Who Can Benefit from These Programs?
The programs mainly help:
- Low-income families
- Families with children
- Those experiencing hunger or joblessness
Graduating 4Ps families are guided into jobs so they stay out of poverty.
Others in need can access free meals through the Walang Gutom Kitchen.
Key Programs Making a Difference
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
A long-term investment in children’s health and education.
Families must meet conditions like sending kids to school and attending health checkups.
Graduates of the program are linked to job fairs and livelihood support.
- Walang Gutom Program (WGP)
Previously known as the Food Stamp Program.
Currently supports 300,000 households.
Focuses on helping families afford food and meet basic nutrition needs.
- Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK)
Provides hot meals made from donations.
Pilot kitchen in Pasay City, with plans to expand.
Targets anyone currently experiencing hunger.
How Are These Programs Being Carried Out?
Through coordination with:
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
- Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Private donors and companies
The DSWD holds job fairs for graduating 4Ps members to support lasting change.
More job fairs are planned nationwide throughout the year.
The Walang Gutom Kitchen collects food from partners and turns them into cooked meals.
Why This Strategy Matters
Hunger affects a child’s ability to learn and grow.
It keeps families in the cycle of poverty.
By focusing on health, education, and food security, DSWD builds strong foundations for lasting change.
According to the PSA, poverty levels have started to drop, showing these programs are working.
But many challenges—like typhoons and economic shocks—can quickly push families back into crisis.
This is why DSWD continues to enhance its services.
What This Means for Local Departments and Families
For Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Partner with DSWD to expand kitchens and promote job fairs
- Help identify families in need
- Support data collection and community outreach
For Vulnerable Families
- Stay updated through local DSWD offices
- Attend orientation sessions for 4Ps or WGP
- Take advantage of job fairs if graduating from 4Ps
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know if I qualify for 4Ps or Walang Gutom?
You’ll need to be assessed by your local DSWD office. They consider your income, number of children, and living conditions.
Q2: Do I need to pay to get assistance?
No. These programs are free for eligible families.
Q3: Where can I find job fairs if I’m graduating from 4Ps?
DSWD announces job fairs through your local city or municipal social welfare office. You may also ask your 4Ps coordinator.
Q4: How can I help or donate to the Walang Gutom Kitchen?
Contact your nearest DSWD regional office. They welcome food donations, volunteers, and partnerships.
Recent Updates
DSWD and MVP Group Join Hands for Broader Social Protection
The DSWD has teamed up with the MVP Group Tulong Kapatid through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
This partnership amplifies efforts to bring social protection programs and development services to underserved communities.
DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian highlighted how the collaboration reflects the shared responsibility across society in driving social growth.
Through this unified approach, support reaches those who need it most.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomes collaborations with private organizations to address the ongoing needs of underprivileged sectors, including 4Ps members.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao highlighted a recent initiative with Globe Telecom and G-Xchange, Inc., where donated smartphones provide 4Ps beneficiaries access to digital financial tools.
This cooperative approach fosters long-term self-reliance by equipping beneficiaries with essential knowledge, skills, and opportunities.
The program’s unique focus includes holistic development through family development sessions, enabling access to other services like housing and education.
These efforts aim to empower families to escape poverty’s cycle, guided by partnerships that bridge gaps and uplift communities.
DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian stressed the importance of collaboration across various sectors to combat hunger and malnutrition.
In his World Food Day message, he emphasized the need for collective action through a whole-of-society approach to ensure food security for all.
He highlighted ongoing partnerships that launch programs promoting nutrition and addressing food scarcity.
The fight against hunger, he noted, requires every member of society to break the cycle together.
Conclusion
Fighting poverty and hunger isn’t the job of one agency—it takes a whole-of-society effort.
Through DSWD’s programs like 4Ps, WGP, and WGK, families are given a chance to rise.
If you’re part of a vulnerable group, check with your local DSWD office for assistance.
And if you’re looking to help, there are many ways to get involved.
Together, we can move closer to a future with less hunger and more hope.