In the heart of Pasay City, dedicated volunteers are turning simple acts of service into a lifeline for the city’s homeless and vulnerable sectors.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to champion the spirit of volunteerism through its Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK), a program that not only addresses hunger but also fosters community engagement.

Launched in December 2024, the WGK serves as both a kitchen and a community hub, preparing and distributing nutritious meals while minimizing food wastage.

In 2025 alone, the kitchen has served 200,003 meals to 142,246 clients, a testament to its growing impact and the tireless efforts of its volunteers.

Through its Pag-Abot Program, the DSWD recently highlighted the faces behind the meals in a social media campaign called “Volunteers of the Day.”

Some of the volunteers were students from the Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU-IT), sharing how their participation allowed them to witness firsthand the difference a single meal can make.

“Masaya po mag-volunteer sa Walang Gutom Kitchen kasi makikita niyo kung gaano po nakakatulong yung simpleng act po nila sa mga homeless or mga tao na di po kayang masustain yung kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan katulad po ng pagkain,” one student volunteer said, reflecting on the experience.

Another student volunteer expressed gratitude for the government’s support, acknowledging the initiative’s role in alleviating hunger among marginalized sectors.

“Thank you po for Secretary Rex (Gatchalian) and for our President BBM for doing this initiative. As you can see naman, marami po tayong natutulungan na mga tao. Yung mga hindi po nakakakuha ng basic needs nila, pwede po nilang makuha dito kahit papaano,” the young volunteer said.

The spotlight shifted to volunteer Jansen Gallardo, who encouraged more Filipinos to join similar efforts.

“Sana mas marami pang mga ganitong proyekto, at sana mas marami pang taong mag-volunteer. So sa mga gustong mag-volunteer, hinihikayat ko kayo para maexperience niyo at maging parte na rin tayo ng mga proyekto ng gobyerno, para rin nakikita natin yung mga ginagawa ng gobyerno para sa mga tao,” Jansen said.

The DSWD’s WGK continues to invite individuals and organizations to contribute—whether by donating food or volunteering their time.

Those interested can reach the team at 09457948385 or register via https://forms.gle/dVnewCCWbPyTbud16.

Through initiatives like the WGK, the DSWD demonstrates that combating hunger is not just about meals—it’s about community, compassion, and the shared joy of giving. (CC)