Marcos opens Walang Gutom Kitchen in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — To strengthen the government’s anti-hunger campaign and expand food assistance for vulnerable Filipinos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 22, formally inaugurated the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Cebu City.

The facility is designed to serve individuals experiencing involuntary hunger and those living in street situations, providing free meals and access to other social support services.

During the launch, Marcos said beneficiaries would be allowed to return whenever they need food assistance.

“Pwede silang bumalik-balik dito dahil walang problema. Ang ginagawa ng sistema, pagpasok dito irerehistro nila, magkakaroon sila ng ID para malaman din namin kung sino yung mga hindi talaga madalas kumain para mabigyan natin ng tulong,” Marcos said.

The President explained that the program’s registration and identification system would enable government social workers to monitor beneficiaries more effectively and identify individuals who may require additional assistance.

Marcos also acknowledged the contribution of private sector partners, particularly hotel and restaurant associations, which donate surplus food to support the initiative.

He said the government intends to establish more Walang Gutom Kitchens across the country, with another facility expected to open soon in Zamboanga City.

The President noted that rising food prices, partly driven by global fuel costs, have underscored the need for sustained food assistance programs.

“Patuloy na kami na tuloy-tuloy na magsusuporta at sana mabawasan na yung nagugutom at sana dumating ang araw na wala nang gutom na Pilipino,” he added.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the Cebu facility is only the second Walang Gutom Kitchen in the country, following the pilot site in Pasay City.

“This kitchen is a soup kitchen. People experiencing hunger can come here and receive free warm meals seven days a week from morning until lunchtime starting July,” Gatchalian said in an interview.

He said the Cebu kitchen would gradually begin operations in the remaining days of June before shifting to full-scale services in July.

According to Gatchalian, the facility can serve approximately 259 individuals per meal service and is intended to benefit low-income workers and other vulnerable groups, including those from construction and port communities.

Beyond providing meals, the kitchen will also function as a food recovery and pantry hub, allowing partner hotels and restaurants to donate excess but safe food that would otherwise go to waste.

Gatchalian said the DSWD has an existing partnership with the Philippine Hotel Owners Association and continues to collaborate with major food establishments, including McDonald’s and Jollibee, for surplus food recovery initiatives.

He added that program sites are selected based on the concentration of vulnerable populations to ensure assistance reaches communities most in need while helping reduce food wastage.

The Cebu facility forms part of the broader Walang Gutom Program under the Pag-abot Program, which integrates food assistance with profiling, assessment and referrals for individuals and families in street situations.

The initiative is also linked to the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program and provides complementary services such as health referrals, literacy support and temporary shelter assistance for qualified beneficiaries.