The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) introduced innovative programs to Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in Camarines Sur through an information caravan at the Digital Transformation Center in Pili, Camarines Sur, on Wednesday, August 6.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the caravan and presented three flagship programs under the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr.: Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program, Tara Basa! Tutoring Program, and Oplan Pag Abot Program.

The Walang Gutom Program is a three-year initiative aimed at reducing involuntary hunger by enhancing the availability and accessibility of nutritious food for poor households and addressing nutritional deficiencies. Conversely, the Oplan Pag-Abot Program provides interventions, services, and opportunities to mitigate risks and vulnerabilities faced by street children, individuals, and families. Meanwhile, the Tara Basa! Tutoring Program engages college students from low-income families as tutors or youth development workers to assist struggling grade school pupils.

A highlight of the caravan was the pledge of commitment, where Camarines Sur Provincial Governor Luigi Villafuerte, 5th District Representative, and various Local Chief Executives expressed their support for and dedication to these innovative programs.

As part of the activities, a Food Redemption Day was organized for the Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program at Fuerte Sports Complex. Seventy-five beneficiaries from Minalabac, Camarines Sur, used Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards to purchase nutritious food items worth PHP 3,000.00 each.