The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has served 302,561 free meals through its Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) program since its launch in 2024 until the first half of 2026, as part of the government’s efforts to end hunger, according to an agency report released Thursday.
The DSWD opened its first WGK in December 2024 inside a former Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City, and later expanded it with branches in Cebu City, inaugurated on June 22, and Zamboanga City, which opened on June 29.
“Ang direktiba kasi ng ating Pangulo is humanap ng napakaraming mga pamamaraan para mawakasan natin ang kagutuman (The directive of the President is to find various means to end hunger). From the Food Stamp Program, now to the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which we plan to open, by the way, nationwide sa iba’t ibang cities ng bansa natin (in different cities across the country),” the DSWD quoted Secretary Rex Gatchalian as saying during the inauguration of the Zamboanga City WGK.
Since the program began, the WGK has served 219,304 unique and returning clients, primarily families and individuals in street situations and people experiencing involuntary hunger.
“Gusto nating tumulong at ibalik ang dignidad sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan nitong mga kitchens natin (We want to help and restore dignity to our countrymen using our kitchens),” Gatchalian said.
He added that the DSWD aims to establish 12 kitchens in different cities nationwide.
The Zamboanga City branch was strategically built near a public market to better serve seasonal workers and porters.
Before opening its regional kitchens, the DSWD launched the Gulay-on-the-Go initiative on May 14 in partnership with farmers, vendors, and other organizations to secure fresh vegetables and other food supplies.
The initiative helps ensure that nutritious and balanced meals are served to WGK beneficiaries.
“Itong mga kitchen na ‘to (These kitchens), they may look small, they may look simple, pero ito ay refuge para sa ating mga kababayan na nakakaranas ng kagutuman (but these are refuge for our fellow countrymen who are experiencing hunger),” Gatchalian said.
Community support for the program has also continued to grow, with 3,878 volunteers mobilized from 2024 to the first half of 2026 to assist in daily operations.
The volunteers include 2,272 private sector representatives, 472 members of non-government organizations, 451 individual advocates, 321 government personnel, 283 students from schools and universities, and 79 members of civic groups.
Gatchalian encouraged the public to support the program as the DSWD expands the Walang Gutom Kitchen nationwide. He also appealed for more food donations and volunteers willing to contribute their time to the program. (PNA)
