NEDA Board OKs upgraded food stamp program

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Marcos has approved the rollout of the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) project which is an upgrade of the current food stamp program of the government.

- BEN ARNOLD DE VERA

The approval came just days ahead of the NEDA Board's reorganization under Republic Act (RA) No. 12145, also known as the Economy, Planning, and Development Act. The law, which takes effect on April 27, 2025, will rename the NEDA Board as the Economy and Development (ED) Council, and will continue to be headed by the President.

“By approving the REFUEL project, the government demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fight food insecurity and undernutrition. The program reflects a renewed focus toward ending involuntary hunger, uplifting vulnerable communities, and promoting resilience through smart, nutrition-sensitive social protection," NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said in a statement on Thursday, April 24.

REFUEL is an upgraded version of the Philippine Food Strategic Transfer and Alternative Measures Program (STAMP) and is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).