Every fourth Monday of July each year, the President delivers a State of the Nation Address (SONA), aiming to inform Filipinos about the current economic, social, and political conditions of the country. During this speech, the President also provides a summary of the government’s accomplishments and plans.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. delivered his third SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. Among the initiatives he mentioned were Projects LAWA and BINHI, Walang Gutom Program 2027, and First 1,000 Days Grant — all of which are being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
President Cites DSWD Programs in Latest Speech
In his latest SONA, President Marcos commended several DSWD programs that greatly benefit thousands of Filipino beneficiaries.
Walang Gutom Program 2027
“The recently launched Walang Gutom 2027 will now be fully rolled out from the initial 2,300 households, now all the way to 300,000 ‘food-poor’ households across the country by the end of this year,” the President stated during his speech.
He also said that the program will continue until the “one million most food-poor families” are fed, ideally by 2027.
First 1,000 Days Grant
Furthermore, President Marcos discussed the First 1,000 Days Grant in his SONA. He shared that this new grant — which seeks to ensure the health and nutrition of children 0 to 2 years old from the poorest families — has been proposed in the 2025 budget under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
“Sa pamamagitan nito, ang isang buntis o ang isang ina na benepisyaryo ng 4Ps ay mabibigyan ng karagdagang tulong-pinansyal na laan para sa kanya at kanyang anak (Through this, a pregnant woman or mother who is a 4Ps beneficiary will be given additional financial assistance for her and her children),” he said.
“Ang tulong na ito ay upang matiyak na siya at ang sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan o batang anak ay maaasikaso ng doktor, mababakunahan, at mabibigyan ng sapat na nutrison (This grant shall ensure that the mother and her child will receive medical care, immunization, and adequate nutrition),” the President added.
In response to the President’s announcement, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has directed the 4Ps National Program Management Office (NPMO) to immediately work on the conditionalities for the implementation of the First 1,000 Days Grant.
Project LAWA and BINHI
Likewise, President Marcos praised the DSWD’s Local Adaptation to Water Access (LAWA) and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (BINHI) project. He noted that small farm reservoirs (SFRs) have been built for farmers — to prepare and protect them from the effects of El Niño and La Niña.
Final Thoughts
The DSWD is just one of several government bodies working together for all Filipinos. Still, it plays a major role in ensuring food security, health, and nutrition — especially for the poorest households. It is good to know that the President, along with the rest of his Cabinet, fully support the department and its programs.
Recently, President Marcos also gave financial aid to beneficiaries in Northern Luzon. Along with DSWD Secretary Gatchalian, he led the distribution of Presidential Assistance, as well as cash aid for beneficiaries of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).