LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region, under the helm of Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, is extending its effort to conduct a series of food redemption activities under the Walang Gutom Program ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s celebration.
Christmas is meant to be the season of giving and such a connotation is felt by at least 800 beneficiaries from various cities and municipalities in the province of Albay who were served during the activity on 22-23 December 2025.
Beneficiaries were able to redeem nutritious and quality food items intended not just to help address food insecurity among vulnerable households, but to ensure that their table is not left empty during the most special day of the season.
Lolita Parrar Pesonila, 62 years old housewife and a mother of four from Brgy. 30 Pigcale, Legazpi City, considers the food basket not just as a monthly food assistance, but also as an early Christmas gift.
“Isang malaking grasya para sa paparating na pasko ang [nakuha] naming pagkain. Malaking tulong po! Maraming salamat!” Pesonila shared.
[This is such a huge blessing for us especially with the upcoming Christmas. Very helpful! Thank you so much!]
Pesonila is also among the initial beneficiaries from various areas of Albay who were able to redeem their food items on the mentioned dates, which includes the areas of Legazpi City, Manito, Malinao, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Tabaco, Malilipot, Tiwi, Camalig, Guinobatan, Daraga, Ligao, Pio Duran, and Libon.
The initiative forms part of DSWD’s continuing efforts to ensure food availability and accessibility, particularly for low-income families, as well as to promote proper nutrition during the holiday season.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries from Oas, Rapu-Rapu, and Polangui are also expected to redeem their food items before the New Year’s Day.
Through the Walang Gutom Program, DSWD aims to mitigate hunger and improve the overall nutritional well-being of identified beneficiaries by providing access to safe, adequate, and healthy food.
As mandated by Secretary Rex Gatchalian and following the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., DSWD Bicol remains steadfast in its implementation of programs that support food security and uplift the welfare of disadvantaged sectors across the Bicol Region.