A simple desire to help people can transform an ordinary Sunday into an extraordinary day of feel-good service for others.
The Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK), an initiative under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), opens its doors for individuals seeking meaningful ways to serve others and contribute to society.
The DSWD’s feeding program welcomes compassionate citizens to prepare and serve meals for fellow Filipinos facing difficult times and who are no stranger to hunger pangs.
For Jacquelyn Miranda, discovering the Walang Gutom Kitchen online sparked an immediate interest. Seeing the DSWD behind the initiative provided an extra push to get involved and even invite friends to the selfless endeavor.
“First po, nakita ko ang Facebook Page. I remember a post dahil naghahanap talaga ako ng any organization na pwedeng mag-volunteer and I saw na under siya ng DSWD. So it made me all the more wanted to volunteer and I asked them, my friends, if they would want to spare some time, kahit on a Sunday,” Jacquelyn said.
Jacquelyn even commended the WGK on how the feeding program has been planned and implemented.
“Lahat ng ginagawa kahit first time ko lang, I can say na pinag-isipan, pinag-handaan, well thought out, very organized. No experience pa but as a first time volunteer, I’m also encouraging those who would want to spend a little bit of their time,” Jacquelyn said.
Atanacio Devinc Basa also found immense fulfillment in joining the community kitchen. Playing a part in the DSWD program brought happiness through direct service to individuals navigating the current economic crisis.
“So, ang masasabi ko sa programang Walang Gutom Kitchen, is masaya kasi marami tayong natutulungan na mga kababayan. Lalo na sa pinagdadaanan natin ngayong krisis. Ang Walang Gutom Kitchen narealize ko na hindi lamang ito para sa mga homeless, hindi lamang ito para sa mga walang may kakayahan kundi para sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan,” Atanacio pointed out.
Volunteering in the WGK also broadened perspectives on the daily struggles of everyday Filipinos, bringing to light the reality that despite facing personal hardships, the people never forget to smile.
“Ang experience ko dito sa Walang Gutom is di mo makikita na may pinagdadaanan pala yung ating mga kababayan. Kasi pagpasok ko palang dito, pagpasok ng ating mga kababayan is nakangiti lang sila despite na hindi natin alam kung ano yung pinagdadaanan nila. Kaya tara na, punta tayo sa Walang Gutom Kitchen, mag volunteer tayo!,” Atanacio said as he invited others to volunteer in the WGK.
The DSWD continues to call for more helping hands to sustain the WGK. Everyone who’s feeling inspired to volunteer can easily sign up by providing information at https://forms.gle/dVnewCCWbPyTbud16.
Generous groups or individuals wanting to provide food donations can send a text message or call 0945-7948-385. Every small act of kindness brings smiles and full stomachs to local communities. (KI)
