IN THE FIELD
The program’s coverage expanded to 300,000 households by mid-2025 and 600,000 in February 2026.
Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers Project (REFUEL) are in the final stages, with the signing expected shortly. A Social Monitoring Report, prepared by the government and the ADB, concluded in July: “Overall, implementation demonstrates the continuing commitment to ensuring that Indigenous Peoples benefit equitably from the project while respecting their rights, cultural identity, customary institutions and traditional knowledge systems. The progress achieved provides a sound foundation for continued implementation [and to] further improve safeguard compliance and ensure that no eligible household is excluded from program’s benefits.” Beyond securing sufficient and healthy nutrition, the program has another important dimension: Using e-vouchers will accelerate the use of digital technology in the Philippines,
The evaluation showed a 20 percent decline in the incidence of frequent hunger among beneficiaries. Nutrition tips sent by text message and social media nudged beneficiaries’ shopping and cooking choices, leading to a 36 percent increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables and a 21 percent increase in the consumption of protein.
Meanwhile, more than 1,300 local retailers and agricultural cooperatives benefited from increased demand for their products. The expansion of the program will be made possible by further contributions of the international partners. The OPEC Fund is keeping apace. Preparations for a US$150 million loan in support of the
further deepening the nation’s future skills in line with the OPEC Fund’s recently launched Digital Transformation Action Plan. The success of REFUEL
is an example of how joint project design and rollout
with national authorities, local communities and international donors can achieve lasting progress – refueling people and recharging development. Mr. Belamine said: “This pioneering project represents a significant milestone in the partnership between the OPEC Fund and the Philippines, currently entering a phase of dynamic re-engagement with the approved amounts of projects since 2025 representing almost two third of the total volume of cooperation since it started in 1977.”
Dining out at a Walang Gutom kitchen hall
35
Powered by FlippingBook