NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE OF 
REPRESENTATIVES        
HOUSE BILL NO. 10846 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE VIRGILIO S. LACSON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines has long aspired to uplift every citizen from the clutches of 
hunger. It is the fundamental responsibility of the State to craft and implement policies 
that create a just, equitable, and peaceful society. This legislation aligns with this 
overarching goal by committing to liberate every Filipino from the chains of poverty 
and ensure equal access to opportunities. 
The establishment of a Comprehensive Food Stamp Program is pivotal in this 
endeavor. This program introduces a mechanism to provide eligible households with 
benefit cards that can be used to purchase nutritious items from accredited local 
retailers. By integrating a "work component," beneficiaries are encouraged to actively 
contribute to society while maintaining their eligibility for assistance. This holistic 
approach aims to break the cycle of poverty by fostering self-sufficiency and 
empowerment. 
The collaboration between the Department of Social Welfare and Development 
(DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) adds a strategic dimension to this 
initiative. By capitalizing on the strengths of both departments, we endeavor to link 
rural agricultural production with urban food needs, thereby addressing poverty 
from both ends and fostering sustainable development. 
The bill ensures that while we address the immediate need for nutritional 
assistance, we also lay the foundation for long-term socioeconomic empowerment. 
In closing, we express our ardent hope that our fellow legislators recognize the 
significance of this bill and join us in supporting the creation of a Comprehensive Food 
Stamp Program that will become our commitment to a prosperous, equitable, and 
food-secure Philippines. 
For the foregoing reason, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
   VIRGILIO S. LACSON 
Manila Teachers Party-list 
September 2, 2024
9:07 am


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10846 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE VIRGILIO S. LACSON 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM TO 
ALLEVIATE POVERTY AMONG DISADVANTAGED HOUSEHOLDS ACROSS 
THE NATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - The State hereby declares its unwavering 
commitment to liberate all Filipinos from the shackles of hunger and poverty, 
ensuring equitable access to opportunities within a just, peaceful, and inclusive 
society. Furthermore, the government shall spearhead the formulation, execution, and 
synchronization of social welfare and development policies and initiatives, 
particularly aimed at empowering impoverished and marginalized sectors. 
SECTION 2. Establishment of the Comprehensive Food Stamp Program - To address 
the critical issue of food insecurity, a Comprehensive Food Stamp Program is hereby 
established. 
a.) Identified households by the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development shall receive benefit cards pre-loaded with food credits 
totaling Php5,000.00.  
b.) Cardholders are authorized to purchase an assortment of nutritious items 
from local retailers accredited by the Department of Agriculture. 
c.) The program shall incorporate conditional terms, necessitating cardholders 
to engage in work opportunities in order to sustain their benefits. The 
DSWD, in coordination with the local government units, shall identify this 
work component.  
d.) Eligibility extends to households earning not more than Php 8,000.00 per 
month for a maximum of 6 months. Provided, that the Secretary of the 
Department of Social Welfare and Development shall conduct a periodic 
review of this amount, taking into account the current prices of food 


supplies and income level, and if warranted, recommend the necessary 
increase in the amount of the credits. 
 
SECTION 3. Integration of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Strategies - 
Collaboration between the DSWD and the DA shall be implemented to harmonize the 
planned food stamp program with the DA's strategies aimed at boosting the market 
for local agricultural products.  
 
SECTION 4. Annual Progress Report - The Secretary of DSWD shall annually compile 
a report outlining the status of the Food Stamp Program's implementation. This report 
will be submitted to the Chairpersons of the Senate's Committee on Social Justice, 
Welfare and Rural Development, and House of Representatives’ Committee on  Social 
Services. 
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The concerned government 
departments and agencies, entrusted with the task of executing this Act, shall 
formulate the requisite rules and regulations within sixty (60) days after the Act's 
enactment to facilitate its effective implementation. 
SECTION 6. Appropriations - The amount necessary for the initial implementation of 
this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the departments 
and agencies concerned. Thereafter, the funding of which shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, or sections thereof that are inconsistent with this Act's provisions are 
hereby nullified or adjusted accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. Separability Clause - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this 
Act is found unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining sections and provisions shall 
remain unaffected. 
 
SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall become effective fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) nationally 
circulated newspapers, whichever occurs sooner. 
 
 
Approved,