Beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Program (WGP) showcased their creativity and resourcefulness during a regional cooking challenge, dubbed ‘Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge,’ held at the Socorro’s The Venue in Camalig, Albay on Wednesday (April 30).
In a message of DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, delivered by Undersecretary Edu Punay of the agency’s Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG), the DSWD chief said the Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge is an initiative to highlight the importance of preparing nutritious and budget-friendly meals using food items available through the WGP redemption activities.
“Ngayon ay nandito tayo sa Bicol Region para saksihan ang galing at pagiging malikhain ng ating mga benepisyaryo sa pagluluto ng inyong ipinagmamalaking nga putahe o delicacies,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
The participants, all of whom are current beneficiaries of the program, prepared innovative dishes using ingredients such as rice, vegetables, coconut milk, protein sources, and other pantry staples accessible during the food stamp redemption.
“Binibigyang diin natin ang mensahe na hindi kailangang mahal ang rekado para makapagluto ng masarap na pagkain. Hindi porket mura o abot kaya ang halaga ay wala itong sustansya,” the DSWD chief said.
The cooking challenge not only promoted healthy eating habits but also served as a platform to empower beneficiaries by enhancing their skills in meal planning and food preparation for their families.
“Hindi kailangang mahal, pero magandang may kalakip na pagmamahal ang bawat paghahanda ng masustansya at masarap na pagkain para sa inyong pamilya,” Secretary Gatchalian emphasized.
The five teams that topped the provincial level competition competed again in the regional level culinary challenge.
Each team was given 45 minutes to prepare a dish (viand) using identified ingredients.
Kusinera Cresidia Peñol from Rawis, Donsol, Sorsogon won the Regional Cook-Off Challenge for her unique dish, “Kinunot na Tapas,” which costs only Php300 per serving.
The Peñol Family will represent the Bicol Region in the National Cook-Off Challenge.
The WGP is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to eliminating involuntary hunger in the country by providing sustainable support systems and ensuring that every Filipino family has access to nutritious food.
The program was established through Executive Order No. 44 and aims to reach 750,000 food-poor families by 2027.