More than 10,700 meals have reached vulnerable individuals and families through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) Cebu one month after its launch, while also connecting clients to social protection programs.
The DSWD Field Office VII said the facility served 10,796 free breakfast and lunch meals from June 22 to July 22, 2026, benefiting individuals experiencing involuntary hunger, persons experiencing homelessness, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, low-income workers, and other walk-in clients.
The total includes 7,776 lunch meals and 3,020 breakfast meals served at the WGK facility along Pier 4, Arellano Boulevard, Cebu City.
The initiative, launched by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on June 22, initially provided lunch meals before expanding its operations on July 11 to include breakfast services.
DSWD 7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero said the kitchen has introduced measures to improve service delivery, including priority lanes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, as well as specially prepared Kiddie Meals and a Kiddie Corner for children.
“We have seen that the number of beneficiaries of the Walang Gutom Kitchen continue to grow. That is why we have opened opportunities for volunteers to support the initiative,” Lucero said.
She said the agency hopes the volunteer program will encourage community participation and showcase the Filipino spirit of bayanihan.
Beyond providing meals, the WGK Cebu also serves as a convergence facility where clients can access assessment and referrals for various DSWD programs under the Pag-abot Program.
From June 22 to July 21, the facility profiled 79 individuals and families in street situations, including 64 individuals in street situations and 15 families in street situations.
Of those assessed, 24 clients were admitted to the Pag-abot Processing Center in Liloan, Cebu, where they received case management and social interventions.
DSWD said qualified clients may receive assistance such as temporary shelter, family reunification, transportation support, psychosocial services, livelihood and employment referrals, and assistance from other government agencies and partner organizations.
The meals served at the kitchen follow the Department of Health’s Pinggang Pinoy nutritional guide, providing a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruits.
Lucero said DSWD nutritionist-dietitians ensure that every meal meets the Go, Grow, and Glow nutritional requirements.
For beneficiaries like 62-year-old Maximo Hinon, a person with disability from Kinasang-an, Pardo, Cebu City, the program has helped reduce daily food expenses and allow him to allocate part of his pension for medicines and emergencies.
“Pasalamat ko aning project kay nakatabang-tabang sa kawad-on, ilabi namong wala nay panginabuhian, nakatabang gyud siya,” Hinon said.
He also praised the cleanliness and organization of the facility, describing the service as orderly and accessible for clients.
The Walang Gutom Kitchen Cebu operates daily, including weekends and holidays, from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast is served starting at 6 a.m., while lunch begins at 11 a.m.
The facility prepares at least 250 meals per service, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies last.
Photo courtesy of DSWD Region 7
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