France extends 200-M euro loan for PH's food vouchers project

The Philippine government has secured a loan financing from the government of France, through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), for the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) project.

In a news release on Tuesday, the Department of Finance (DOF) said the AFD is extending a 200-million euro (about P14.13 billion) financing for the REFUEL project, which is expected to benefit around 750,000 low-income households through monthly electronic food vouchers, which can be redeemed at accredited retailers.

The REFUEL initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The DOF said REFUEL project is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as it underscored the strong partnership between the Philippines and its development partners.

"Vulnerable families will have direct, dignified, and timely access to nutritious food. By digitizing this process, we ensure that assistance is both transparent and highly efficient," said Finance Secretary Frederick Go.

Beyond food assistance, the DOF said participating families will receive nutrition and livelihood support through sessions on maternal and child nutrition, proper hygiene, healthy meal planning, and income-generating opportunities.

"Allow me to congratulate the Philippine government for its strong commitment to integrating climate action, ocean preservation, and social protection into its national development agenda. These priorities are not only essential for the future of the Philippines, but also for the resilience and sustainability of our shared world," said French Ambassador Marie Fontanel.

"I am equally proud that our cooperation with the Philippines could also address the social dimension through the REFUEL Program supporting vulnerable communities and contributing to a more inclusive development," said AFD Country Director for the Philippines Benedicte Gazon. — VDV, GMA News