The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the “Walang Gutom” (Zero Hunger) Kitchen, a new project aimed at minimizing food wastage and addressing hunger in Metro Manila.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced the launch on Monday, highlighting the collaboration between the private and public sectors in this effort. “This Walang Gutom Kitchen is a food bank where the private sector and the public sector will join forces to reduce food wastage and address the hunger problem in Metro Manila. We plan to expand this type of food bank nationwide,” Gatchalian said during the project launch in Pasay City.
Located at a former Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub repurposed by the DSWD, the Walang Gutom Kitchen also integrates three innovative programs of the agency: the Pag-Abot Program, the Walang Gutom Program, and the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program.
Clients reached out to by or walk-ins in the Pag-Abot Program will be provided with food and other basic necessities upon assessment by social workers. The Walang Gutom Kitchen will facilitate individualized case management of clients, including assessment, intervention, planning, and progress tracking of homeless individuals for their development.
Through the establishment of Tara, Basa! reading corners, clients will have access to learning and developmental interventions such as parenting education and character-building activities held in the multipurpose facility.
“To all our fellow citizens who want to help our countrymen who are starving, we will take on any type of food donation and drinks donation, whether you want it in your own personal capacity or if you have a business with excess food. As long as it comes from the private sector and is in accordance with the law, we will accept it to distribute to our starving people,” Gatchalian said.
The launch of the Walang Gutom Kitchen was attended by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who joined Gatchalian and private sector partners in distributing hot meals to the kitchen’s beneficiaries. Other officials present at the launch included Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Group Pinky Romualdez, Undersecretary for Innovations Group Eduardo Punay, Assistant Secretary for Innovations Group Baldr Bringas, and Assistant Secretary for Regional Operations Paul Ledesma.
The Walang Gutom Kitchen represents a major step forward in the fight against food wastage and hunger in Metro Manila. By leveraging the resources and efforts of both the private and public sectors, the DSWD aims to create a sustainable solution to these pressing issues.
The project not only addresses immediate hunger needs but also promotes long-term development and self-sufficiency among the beneficiaries. The integration of educational and developmental programs within the Walang Gutom Kitchen ensures that clients receive holistic support, empowering them to improve their circumstances.
As the DSWD continues to expand the Walang Gutom Kitchen and its associated programs, the agency calls on the public to support this endeavor. Donations of food and drinks from the private sector are important in sustaining the kitchen’s operations and reaching more individuals in need.
The success of the Walang Gutom Kitchen relies on the collective efforts of the community. By working together, the DSWD and its partners aim to create a future where no one goes hungry and food wastage is minimized.
The Walang Gutom Kitchen is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing social issues. With continued support and participation from the public, the DSWD is confident that this project will make a lasting impact on the lives of many Filipinos.