ILOILO City – The city government and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 have formalized their collaboration through three key agreements enhancing social welfare programs.
The agreements were signed on February 27 at the Iloilo City Hall. These focused on the implementation of the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program, and a Data Sharing and Non-Disclosure Agreement for better beneficiary monitoring and service delivery.
Mayor Jerry Treñas stressed the importance of these programs in improving the lives of Ilonggos.
“We are improving the lives of our fellow Ilonggos. The best thing we can bring to the world is our continuous effort to make the life of our people better every day,” Treñas said.
The signing ceremony was attended by DSWD regional director Arwin Razo, Assistant Regional Director Joselito Estember, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Teresa Gelogo, DSWD-6 division chiefs Katherine Joy Lamprea and Asuncion Santiago, and Atty. Fydah Sabando of the City Data Assessment and System Management Office for the data-sharing agreement.
Expanding Food Security and Senior Citizen Support
The Walang Gutom 2027 program aims to address hunger among vulnerable families, with the Iloilo City Government assisting in its barangay-level implementation and logistical coordination.
Under the program, 419 Ilonggo beneficiaries are receiving P3,000 per month through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards to purchase food at accredited stores.
Iloilo City’s commitment to food security was recently recognized with the city being named a finalist in the 2024 Walang Gutom Awards by Galing Pook and DSWD.
The RISE-A-FARM project, which promotes sustainable food access, earned the city a P1-million cash prize.
On the other hand, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program aims to provide financial assistance to elderly individuals without regular income or support.
Strengthening Data-Driven Social Services
The newly signed Data Sharing and Non-Disclosure Agreement will improve coordination between the city and DSWD in tracking beneficiaries, especially those under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
DSWD estimates that approximately 7,000 4Ps beneficiaries in Iloilo City will transition to self-sufficiency this year.
Director Razo emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in achieving long-term social development goals.
“We appreciate the continued support from the local government. What we are doing together, in terms of making a difference in the lives of the poor, requires partnership and involvement from other stakeholders,” Razo said./PN
