By Brian Campued
Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers can get free daily meals through the “Walang Gutom” Kitchen (WGK) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) amid the impact of rising fuel prices in the country.
In a news release Friday, DSWD Spokesperson Asec. Irene Dumlao emphasized that while the WGK is intended for individuals experiencing involuntary hunger, it is also open to those who are in need of immediate food support.
“Alam namin ang bigat ng epekto ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis sa ating mga PUV drivers. Sa pamamagitan ng Walang Gutom Kitchen, nais naming matiyak na may sapat at masustansyang pagkain silang makakain araw-araw,” Asec. Dumlao said.
“Parte ito ng ating whole-of-government approach sa pagbibigay ng assistance upang sa kahit maliit na paraan ay makatulong tayo sa ating mga PUJ drivers alinsunod sa bilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” she added.
Located at the Nasdake Building in Pasay City, the Kitchen provides free breakfast from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., while lunch is served starting at 11:00 a.m.
The WGK is one of the innovations of the DSWD that addresses involuntary hunger as well as the reduction in food wastage by turning donated surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and organizations into hot meals for beneficiaries.
The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been rolling out initiatives aimed at cushioning the impact of surging oil prices driven by the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.
Upon the directive of the President, the DSWD began disbursing P5,000 cash aid through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to PUV drivers, starting in Metro Manila last March.
The program was then expanded nationwide on April 8, beginning with tricycle drivers.
Meanwhile, tricycle and jeepney drivers who did not receive their cash relief assistance during the initial rollout may visit various special payout sites set across the 16 cities and one municipality in the metropolis on April 14, 15, and 22.
-jpv
