The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) recorded in 2025 a total of 200,003 meals served to 142,246 unique and returning clients experiencing involuntary hunger, including families and individuals in street situations (FISS).
“Ang layunin po ng Walang Gutom Kitchen ay hindi lamang simpleng pagbibigay ng pagkain. Ang lahat po ng putahe na inihahain natin sa ating mga benepisyaryo sa araw-araw ay pinaghahandaang mabuti at sinisiguro natin na masustansya. Ibig sabihin, nakapag-serve na tayo ng mahigit 200,000 na masusustansyang pagkain,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said on Wednesday (January 21).
Asst. Secretary Dumlao said these numbers were made possible through the assistance from the private sector in maintaining the daily operations of the kitchen.
Aside from providing nutritious hot meals, the WGK also aims to reduce food wastage by turning donated surplus food from hotels, restaurants, and organizations into hot meals.
Some of the partners providing surplus food include Unilever Philippines Inc., Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc., Jollibee Group Foundations, Gardenia Bakeries Inc., Scholar of Sustenance Philippines, Food Panda Ph, Monde Nissin Philippines, Presidential Management Staff, New World Makati Hotel, and Nestle Philippines, among others.
“Sila ang dahilan kung bakit mayroon tayong masasarap at masusustansyang pagkain araw-araw sa kitchen. Gaya kahapon, ang menu sa WGK ay garlic rice, scrambled egg with potato, at fried tuna para sa breakfast. Noong lunch naman, ang kinain ng mga benepisyaryo ay kanin, fried chicken shanghai, at ginisang sayote at carrots,” the DSWD spokesperson said.
Companies, groups, and individuals also rendered volunteer services as food and water servers, registration personnel, and crowd control personnel in 2025.
“Malaking tulong talaga ang mga donors at volunteers natin. Sabi nga ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, though the DSWD does provide manpower and we pay for the utilities, everything else is powered by the private sector, from food to serving each plate to beneficiaries,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
One of the volunteers, Leona Alcantara from Alha Phi Omega (APO), said helping the beneficiaries of the WGK is not just about giving money but also serving as volunteers.
“Nakakatulong ka kahit wala kang pera, pwede kang tumulong. Actually yung initiative ninyong ito, it’s a very good idea. Mayroong nagsu-supply, may tumutulong sa pamamagitan ninyo—ng Walang Gutom Kitchen. Na-eencourage ang katulad ko, sabi ko nga pag mayroon ako, magbibigay ako dito kasi nakikita mo kung saan talaga napupunta yung ibibigay mo,” Leona said.
The WGK is one of the DSWD’s innovative programs that helps realize the long-time aspiration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to end hunger and ensure that no Filipino family should go hungry.
The WGK is an offshoot of the Walang Gutom Program, a flagship program of the Marcos administration under Executive Order No. 44, which is the country’s version of the food stamp program similar to other countries.
The kitchen is located at the Nasdake Building, a former POGO hub in Pasay City. (YADP)
