The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD 7) is strongly urging beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom Program in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol to promptly redeem their nutritious food packages. This call aims to avoid potential hassles and ensure a seamless process at partner retailers, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the scheduled timelines.
No Extension for Fourth Food Redemption Period
According to DSWD 7, there will be no extension implemented for the fourth Food Redemption period, as per the announcement from the National Program Management Office (NPMO). This marks a departure from the previous redemption period, which was extended until April 1, 2026, from the original schedule of March 6 to 26, 2026.
Dual Schedules Based on EBT Card Type
The Food Redemption will be carried out on two distinct schedules, depending on the type of electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card used by the beneficiary. The program involves two service providers: Rural Bank of Guinubatan, Incorporated (RBGI) and Universal Storefront Services Corporation (USSC).
For the fourth Food Redemption, only beneficiaries under Listahanan 3 or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) are qualified. Meanwhile, redemption for households from the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and those applying through on-demand application (ODA) has been temporarily suspended.
Specific Redemption Dates and Beneficiary Counts
Beneficiaries holding RBGI cards can redeem their food packages from April 13 to April 30, 2026. On the other hand, USSC cardholders are eligible to redeem from April 13 to May 7, 2026.
In total, there are 13,672 beneficiaries across the two provinces who are RBGI cardholders, with 4,266 located in Bohol and 9,406 in Cebu. Additionally, 11,612 beneficiaries are USSC cardholders, all of whom are situated in Cebu.
Covered Municipalities and Cities
In Cebu, the municipalities and cities scheduled for Food Redemption include Alcantara, Alcoy, Alegria, Aloguinsan, Argao, Asturias, Badian, Balamban, Bantayan, Barili, Boljoon, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, City of Bogo, Carcar City, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, City of Naga, Talisay City, Toledo City, Compostela, Consolacion, Cordova, Daanbantayan, Dalaguete, Danao City, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Liloan, Madridejos, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Minglanilla, Moalboal, Oslob, Pilar, Pinamungajan, Poro, Ronda, Samboan, San Fernando, San Francisco, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Santander, Sibonga, Sogod, Tabogon, Tabuelan, Tuburan, and Tudela.
In Bohol, the areas set for redemption are Albuquerque, Alicia, Anda, Baclayon, Batuan, Bien Unido, Bilar, Buenavista, Calape, Candijay, Carmen, Catigbian, City of Tagbilaran, Clarin, Cortes, Danao, Dauis, Duero, Getafe, Guindulman, Inabanga, Jagna, Loay, Loon, Mabini, Maribojoc, Panglao, Pilar, President Carlos P. Garcia, Sagbayan, San Miguel, Sevilla, Talibon, Trinidad, Tubigon, and Ubay.
Coordination Encouraged for Smooth Process
DSWD 7 encourages beneficiaries to coordinate with their barangay, local government unit (LGU), or Community Engagement Coordinators (CECs) to ascertain the precise schedule and location for redemption. By following the designated schedules, the distribution process can be streamlined, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their nutrition-packed food items efficiently and without delay.
