The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, launched its newest initiative, the Walang Gutom Kitchen, on December 16 at the Nasdake Building in Pasay City. The program aims to address involuntary hunger while reducing food wastage through public-private partnerships.
The Walang Gutom Kitchen will serve as an open kitchen, providing meals to families and individuals in street situations under the DSWD’s Pag-Abot program, as well as those experiencing food insecurity. Donations from private sector partners in the food industry will sustain the initiative, with contributions also welcomed from the public.
Housed in a repurposed former POGO hub, the kitchen was launched just in time for the Christmas season, bringing relief to marginalized communities. First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos joined Secretary Gatchalian and DSWD officials in distributing hot meals to beneficiaries during the event.
Representatives from private partners, including Jollibee Food Corporation, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Nestle Philippines, and Ronald McDonald House Charities, were present to show their support for the project. Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and other DSWD officials also attended the launch.
