In its fight to end hunger, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) successfully served 302,561 free meals through its Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) from the time it was launched in 2024 until the first half of 2026.

In December 2024, the DSWD opened its first-ever WGK inside a former POGO hub in Pasay City, followed by the Visayas branch in Cebu City on June 22, and the Mindanao branch in Zamboanga City on June 29.

“Ang direktiba kasi ng ating Pangulo is humanap ng napakaraming mga pamamaraan para mawakasan natin ang kagutuman. From the Food Stamp Program, now to the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which we plan to open, by the way, nationwide sa iba’t ibang cities ng bansa natin,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said during the inauguration of WGK in Zamboanga City last June 29.

Through the WGK, a total of 219,304 unique and returning clients—primarily families and individuals in street situations (FISS) and those experiencing involuntary hunger—have been served.

“Gusto nating tumulong at ibalik ang dignidad sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan nitong mga kitchens natin,” the DSWD chief pointed out.

According to Secretary Gatchalian, the Department aims to open 12 kitchens in different cities across the country.

To accommodate seasonal workers and porters, the newly opened Zamboanga City branch was strategically located near a public market.

“Dito in Zamboanga, we’re opening the branch near a public market, kasi alam natin sa public markets marami tayong yung mga seasonal workers, yung mga nagbubuhat ng mga gamit don, dito invited sila araw-araw, kumain ng masustansya, masarap at mainit na pagkain,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Prior to these regional facility openings, the DSWD launched the Gulay-on-the-Go initiative last May 14 in partnership with farmers, vendors, and organizations to secure fresh vegetables and goods.

This effort ensures that nutritious and balanced produce is included in the free hot meals served to WGK beneficiaries.

“Itong mga kitchen na ‘to they may look small, they may look simple, pero ito ay refuge para sa ating mga kababayan na nakakaranas ng kagutuman,” the DSWD chief pointed out.

Community support also continues to pour in with 3,878 total volunteers since 2024 until the first half of 2026, mobilized from various sectors to assist in daily operations.

This volunteer force consists of 2,272 private sector representatives, 472 non-government organization (NGO) members, 451 individual advocates, 283 students from schools and universities, 321 government personnel, and 79 civic group members.

“Sana samahan niyo kami in the coming days as we open more kitchens. And by the way, gusto ko na ding samantalahin ang pagkakataon to call for volunteers. 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,” Secretary Gatchalian said. (KI)