The Department of Social Welfare and Development has served 302,561 free hot and nutritious meals through its Walang Gutom Kitchen program from its launch in 2024 up to the first half of 2026, as part of the government’s campaign to address hunger.
The DSWD opened its first Walang Gutom Kitchen inside a former POGO hub in Pasay City in December 2024. It later expanded the program to the Visayas with the opening of a branch in Cebu City on June 22, followed by the Mindanao branch in Zamboanga City on June 29.
“Ang direktiba kasi ng ating Pangulo is humanap ng napakaraming mga pamamaraan para mawakasan natin ang kagutuman. From the Food Stamp Program, now to the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which we plan to open, by the way, nationwide sa iba’t ibang cities ng bansa natin,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said during the inauguration of the Zamboanga City kitchen on June 29.
Through the program, the DSWD said it has served 219,304 unique and returning clients, primarily families and individuals in street situations and those experiencing involuntary hunger.
“Gusto nating tumulong at ibalik ang dignidad sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan nitong mga kitchens natin,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief said the agency aims to open 12 kitchens in different cities across the country.
The newly opened Zamboanga City branch was strategically located near a public market to serve seasonal workers and porters.
“Dito in Zamboanga, we’re opening the branch near a public market, kasi alam natin sa public markets marami tayong yung mga seasonal workers, yung mga nagbubuhat ng mga gamit don, dito invited sila araw-araw, kumain ng masustansya, masarap at mainit na pagkain,” Gatchalian said.
Before opening the regional facilities, the DSWD launched the Gulay-on-the-Go initiative on May 14 in partnership with farmers, vendors, and organizations to secure fresh vegetables and other goods for the kitchens.
The initiative helps ensure that nutritious and balanced produce is included in the free hot meals served to Walang Gutom Kitchen beneficiaries.
“Itong mga kitchen na ‘to they may look small, they may look simple, pero ito ay refuge para sa ating mga kababayan na nakakaranas ng kagutuman,” Gatchalian said.
The program has also drawn support from 3,878 volunteers from 2024 to the first half of 2026, who have helped in daily operations across the kitchens.
The volunteers include 2,272 private sector representatives, 472 members of non-government organizations, 451 individual advocates, 283 students from schools and universities, 321 government personnel, and 79 civic group members.
“Sana samahan niyo kami in the coming days as we open more kitchens. And by the way, gusto ko na ding samantalahin ang pagkakataon to call for volunteers. All our kitchens accept donations and time—mga gusto mag-service crew, gustong tumulong sa service sequence—invited din kayo to donate your time with us,” Gatchalian said.