Establishing the Walang Gutom 2027 Food Stamp Program

Section 11, Article XIII of the Constitution requires the State to make essential goods and other social services available to all people at affordable costs.
Paragraph 2, Article II of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes the right of everyone to be free from hunger and requires States Parties to take measures to improve food distribution.
Executive Order No. 292 (the Administrative Code of 1987) mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate, develop, and implement social welfare and development plans, programs, and projects for the most vulnerable.
Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests the President with control over executive departments, bureaus, and offices to ensure the faithful execution of laws.

Executive Order No. 44 declares the Food Stamp Program as a national mechanism aimed at decreasing the incidence of involuntary hunger experienced by low-income households.
The program provides monetary-based assistance in the form of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
EBT cards are used to purchase select food commodities from eligible partner merchant stores.
Executive Order No. 44 directs a whole-of-government approach by enjoining national government agencies (NGAs) and local government units (LGUs) to participate and support implementation.

Section 1 declares the “Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program” as a Flagship Program of the National Government.
The DSWD is the lead implementing agency responsible for implementation and management of the Food Stamp Program.
The DSWD must undertake steps for successful implementation and expansion, including identifying eligible beneficiaries.
The DSWD must collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure efficient and timely distribution and use of food stamps.

Section 2 requires the DSWD to engage and partner with all relevant NGAs, LGUs, and other stakeholders for successful implementation.
All relevant NGAs are directed to provide full support and cooperation with the DSWD.
Participating LGUs are enjoined to provide full support and cooperation with the DSWD.
The convergence requirement is implemented to ensure the effective implementation of Executive Order No. 44.

Section 3 requires monitoring compliance through reports submitted to the DSWD.
All relevant NGAs must submit regular reports to the DSWD.
Participating LGUs must submit reports to the DSWD, through the Department of the Interior and Local Government, regarding the status of implementation.
Section 3 assigns the DSWD the role of receiving and using reports for compliance monitoring.

Section 4 authorizes the DSWD to determine an appropriate staffing pattern and qualification standards for additional positions needed for administration and operation.
The DSWD must submit proposed changes in its organizational structure and staffing pattern to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for review and approval.
The creation of additional positions and the proposed staffing changes are subject to compliance with relevant laws, rules and regulations.

Section 5 requires the DSWD, in coordination with relevant government agencies, to formulate rules and regulations to implement Executive Order No. 44.
The rules and regulations must be formulated within thirty (30) working days from the effectivity of the Order.

Section 6 provides that funding requirements for implementation are charged against the current and available appropriations of the DSWD and its partner.
Funding is subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.
Funding requirements for continued implementation must be included in the budget proposals of the involved agencies.
Inclusion in budgets is subject to the usual budget preparation process.

Section 7 establishes separability: if any part or provision is held invalid or unconstitutional, the unaffected provisions remain in full force and effect.
Section 8 repeals or modifies inconsistent issuances: all orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with Executive Order No. 44 are repealed or modified accordingly.