As part of the implementation of Food Provision through Strategic Transfers and Alternative Measures Program (FOOD STAMP) under Walang Gutom 2027, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, in coordination with the DSWD Walang Gutom 2027 Technical Working Group (TWG) and World Food Programme (WFP), conducted a Retail and Market Assessment on June 19-23, 2023 in Del Carmen, Santa Monica, Dapa, and General Luna, Surigao del Norte.

OIC Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes and implementors from the WFP and Walang Gutom 2027 TWG met with the local chief executives in the pilot municipalities to discuss hunger mitigation initiatives that will help the food-poor households through food augmentation.

The one-week activity mainly focused on the commitment of local government units and the participation of local merchants, which is significant in ensuring that food supplies in the market are sufficient during the implementation stage. During the activity, the WFP led the assessment of local retailers and validated requirements for legal registration.

Further, the DSWD, WFP, and TWG also ensured the availability of the approved food requirements in local retailers, such as cereal products, meats, fish products, dried beans, fruits and vegetables, and fats.

FOOD STAMP aims to promote and highlight the importance of food security and food consumption among the daily needs of the food-poor household and consequently mitigate involuntary hunger due to extreme poverty (Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)