PUV drivers welcome at Walang Gutom Kitchen – DSWD

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency’s Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) is open to all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers to help them amid the energy emergency affecting their livelihood.

“Since nagsimula itong energy emergency na ito, binuksan din natin ito para sa ating mga drivers, lalo yung mga jeepney drivers natin na nag-o-operate sa area. Alam naman natin na kahit papaano, yung isa o dalawang kain sa isang araw, ay matitipid nila iyon kung dito sila kumain,” Secretary Gatchalian said during his visit at the WGK in Pasay City with PUV drivers and transport association leaders on Thursday (April 23).

The DSWD chief said this initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to help the transport sector ensure that their essential needs are met in this time of emergency.

“Utos ng Pangulo na pagaanin ang gastusin at masigurong may sapat at masustansyang pagkain ang mga apektadong driver,” Secretary Gatchalian added.

Since its launching in 2024, the WGK provides free and nutritious hot meals to individuals experiencing involuntary hunger.

Secretary Gatchalian said the kitchen is open daily, including holidays, offering breakfast and lunch.

“Open ito para sa lahat. Kahit sino ay maaaring pumunta at kumain anumang oras sa loob ng operating hours,” the DSWD chief emphasized.

The DSWD chief also announced plans to expand the program, with a new WGK set to open in Cebu and another being eyed in Zamboanga City.

Secretary Gatchalian said the agency has partnered with Rural Rising Philippines, a non-government organization that sources agricultural produce directly from farmers at fair prices.

Through the partnership, vegetables that might go to waste due to high transport costs are redistributed to beneficiaries of the WGK, including PUV drivers.

“Ang Rural Rising ay naging partner na ng DSWD para yung mga hinahango nilang mga gulay sa probinsya mula sa magsasaka natin ay pwede nating ipamigay sa ating kliyente rito sa Walang Gutom Kitchen katulad ng mga drivers natin. Ngayong araw ay sinimulan na yung partnership na yon, nagbigay sila ng gulay ngayon, at sa mga darating na araw ay bibili naman ang DSWD sa kanila,” the DSWD chief said.

Rizalino Villaraza, President of the United Twelve Corporation, said the DSWD is the first government agency that helped the transportation sector after the energy emergency.

“Kayo po ang kaunaunahang departamento na sumaklolo sa amin. Malaki po ang aming pasasalamat na kami ay naimbitahan dito at napakalaking ginhawa para aming mga driver-operator ng mga UV express na bumibiyahe since 1995 to present. Nararamdaman namin na yung binubuwis namin ay binabalik sa amin ng gobyerno. Kaya maraming salamat po sa ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., lalong-lalo na kay Secretary Rex Gatchalian,” Villaroza said. (YADP)

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