India, Aug. 13 -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $400 million loan to help the Philippines reduce hunger, food insecurity, and poor nutrition amid escalating climate and disaster risks.

The Reducing Food Insecurity and Undernutrition with Electronic Vouchers Project will support the government in expanding its new flagship social assistance initiative, the Walang Gutom (Zero Hunger) Food Stamp Program. The project will help finance the delivery of monthly electronic food vouchers to 750,000 food-insecure households nationwide.

"With nearly half the Philippine population unable to afford a healthy and nutritious diet, food vouchers are essential to help poor and vulnerable households meet their nutritional needs," said A...