By Brian Campued
In line with the aspiration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to eradicate involuntary hunger in the country, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the government aims to establish a total of 12 “Walang Gutom Kitchens” (WGK) in different cities nationwide.
Currently, the DSWD has so far opened three WGKs—first inside a former Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City, launched in December 2024; followed by the Visayas branch in Cebu City on June 22; and the Mindanao branch in Zamboanga City on June 29.
“Gusto nating tumulong at ibalik ang dignidad sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan nitong mga kitchens natin,” Gatchalian said as quoted in a DSWD press release on Thursday.
Since the program began, the WGK has served 219,304 unique and returning clients, providing a total of 302,561 free meals to families and individuals in street situations and people experiencing involuntary hunger.
“Itong mga kitchen na ito, they may look small, they may look simple, pero ito ay refuge para sa ating mga kababayan na nakakaranas ng kagutuman,” the DSWD chief said.
Aside from the soup kitchen and food bank, Gatchalian said the DSWD is committed to exploring various means to end hunger, including the launching of the Gulay-on-the-Go program last May 14 in partnership with farmers, vendors, and organizations.
The initiative works in complement with the WGK, ensuring fresh vegetables and other produce are available for the free hot meals served to clients.
Gatchalian also appealed for more food donations and volunteers as the agency expands the WGK nationwide.
According to DSWD data, about 3,878 volunteers have assisted in the WGK’s daily operations since its establishment in 2024 to the first half of 2026.
The volunteers include 2,272 private sector representatives, 472 non-government organization members, 451 individual advocates, 283 students, 321 government personnel, and 79 civic group members.
“All our kitchens accept donations and time—mga gusto mag-service crew, gustong tumulong sa service sequence—invited din kayo to donate your time with us,” Gatchalian said.
-av
