BUSINESS

DoF, French agency partner on EUR200-million food security project

Toby Magsaysay · Aug 11, 2026, 11:06 PM

DEPARTMENT of Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go and French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel shake hands on the DoF’s partnership with French development agency, Agence Française de Développement, in strengthening food security and improve nutrition among low-income families through a financing facility for the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers Project. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of DOF

The Department of Finance (DoF) and French development agency Agence Française de Développement (AFD) have partnered to strengthen food security and improve nutrition among low-income families through the Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers (REFUEL) Project.

Implemented with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the project will receive EUR200 million in AFD financing and is expected to benefit around 750,000 low-income households through monthly electronic food vouchers redeemable at accredited retailers.

Access to nutritious food

“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,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said during the ceremonial exchange of financing agreements.

Beyond food assistance, participating households will receive nutrition and livelihood support through sessions covering maternal and child nutrition, proper hygiene, healthy meal planning and income-generating opportunities.

Co-financed by the Asian

Development Bank

The REFUEL Project is co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), reflecting the Philippines’ partnership with international development institutions in addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable communities.

“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,” French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said.

Supporting vulnerable communities

“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,” AFD country director for the Philippines Benedicte Gazon said.

Go thanked AFD for its continued partnership and confidence in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in advancing the country’s development priorities.