The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) strongly refuted social media claims alleging that its Family Food Packs (FFPs) are overpriced, clarifying that the government paid P797.80 per box, not the P1,503.84 cited in viral posts.
In an official statement released Monday, August 31, 2026, the DSWD explained that the P1,503.84 figure circulating online was merely the ceiling price or Approved Budget for the Contract, set for bidders during the procurement process. It does not reflect the actual amount spent by the agency. Following a competitive bidding process, 2Go Global International Corporation won the contract after submitting the lowest calculated bid of P797.80 per food pack.
The department further detailed that the P797.80 unit cost covers more than just the food items inside. The total price incorporates packaging materials, such as vacuum-sealed bags and sturdy corrugated boxes, alongside labor costs for manual packing, handling, and logistics for delivery to disaster-affected areas.
Each standard DSWD Family Food Pack contains six kilograms of vacuum-packed rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of tuna, two cans of sardines and five sachets of coffee or instant cereal drinks.
Warning against the spread of misinformation, the DSWD cautioned the public that unverified posts can undermine trust in disaster response operations during critical emergency periods. The agency urged citizens to rely on its official channels for accurate information and updates regarding its relief programs.