The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) refuted viral online claims on Monday, August 31, regarding the cost of its family food packs, clarifying that the ₱1,503.84 figure circulating on social media represents a maximum ceiling price in bidding documents rather than the actual unit cost.
Social Welfare Disaster Response Management Group Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated that the actual winning bid for the food packs featured in the post was ₱797.80 per box, awarded to 2 Go Global International Corporation.
“₱797.80 lang ang halaga ng bawat kahon ng food packs na nasa post based on the winning bid. Kaya mali ang pinalalabas sa isang social media post na ₱1,503.84 ang halaga ng bawat family food pack ng DSWD,” Dumlao said.
The agency spokesperson urged the public to verify information before sharing and to direct inquiries straight to the department.
“Hindi po nakatutulong ang mga ganitong misinformation, lalo’t higit sa panahon na ang atensiyon dapat ay nakatuon sa mabilisang pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng mga nasalanta,” Dumlao said.
“Nag-aappeal din po kami sa mga concerned citizens na siguraduhin ang inyong dokumento ay accurate sa inyong pagshare. Inuulit din po namin na ang DSWD ay bukas sa lahat ng komento at reklamo,” she added.
Dumlao noted that the initial higher figure on procurement forms is derived from market research to establish a budget cap that accounts for item specifications, custom packaging, logistics, and delivery expenses.
“We would like to clarify that the amount of procurement of family food packs differs per bid. The total amount spent for family food packs depends on the winning bid. The bid document which was posted is a public document and is the maximum bid amount of the package of items,” she explained.
She emphasized that the department adheres strictly to standard government procurement protocols to secure compliant supplies efficiently.
“Dumadaan sa ‘competitive bidding’ ng DSWD ang lahat ng procurement ng family food packs kung saan ang may pinakamababang price bid offer at compliant sa mga specifications at iba pang requirements ang idinedeklarang bid winner,” Dumlao noted.
Each standardized relief pack contains six kilograms of rice, four cans of tuna, four cans of corned beef, two cans of sardines, five sachets of instant coffee, and five sachets of chocolate malt drink.
Formulated alongside the National Nutrition Council and aligned with Food and Nutrition Research Institute guidelines, each package provides temporary nutritional support for a family of five for two to three days.