As the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) culinary competition under its Walang Gutom Program (WGP) continues to reach more communities, it represents the agency’s bold moves to stir more life into its development aspect and commitment to human capital investment.
This was emphasized by Undersecretary Edu Punay of the Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG) as he brought the third installment of the Walang Gutom Kusinero Cook-off Challenge to Naga City in Cebu last Friday (May 16).
“Kami po sa DSWD ay hindi na po puro ayuda, ang focus namin is to promote and implement developmental programs which aim for social behavioral change among our beneficiaries,” Undersecretary Punay explained during the event held at the Enan Chiong Activity Center.
Launched last February in Siargao, the Walang Gutom Kusinero Cook-off Challenge is a culinary competition that advocates for social behavioral change by promoting nutritious, affordable, and nutritious meals.
Undersecretary Punay said the initiative embarks on the importance of preparing nutritious and budget-friendly meals using food items available through the WGP redemption activities.
The Central Visayas cook-off challenge has gathered five WGP beneficiaries for a Regional Level showdown, where they did not only showcase their culinary skills, but also the knowledge that they earned through the WGP’s Nutrition Education Sessions (NES).
‘Kusinero’ Jovencito Ruales and his partner cook Margelin Ruales from Barangay Siapo, San Jose town in Negros Oriental garnered the top spot among fellow contestants.
The duo’s winning dish, Ginataang Gabi and Adobong Gabi, did not only impress the panel of judges for its taste but it also gained points for its healthy ingredients and unmatched affordability for only Php40 per serving.
The winning pair received a Kusinero Plaque, a cash prize, and a Php15,000 grant under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). This will serve as a seed capital fund for the Ruales family’s start up business of their choice.
Undersecretary Punay said the agency will continue to sustain the momentum of the cook-off challenge, citing hopes that it will instill life-changing values that will guide WGP beneficiaries as they cope with life’s daily grind and journey toward self-sufficiency.
“We want them to stand on their own feet, that is the new direction of the DSWD. Sama sama tayo sa daan para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” Undersecretary Punay pointed out.
The WGP is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s commitment to eliminate 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. (LSJ)