‘Walang Gutom’ cook-off winners awarded

MANILA, Philippines — Ten finalists of the Walang Gutom National Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge were awarded on Friday at the Philippine Trade Training Center.

Led by First Lady Liza Marcos and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the awarding ceremony featured Walang Gutom program beneficiaries who prepared affordable and delicious meals based on the “Pinggang Pinoy” food guide.

Two competitors from Zamboanga Peninsula emerged as the national champions, followed by participants from Bicol and Western Visayas.

Each of the 10 finalists received P100,000 from President Marcos.

The competition was part of the Walang Gutom program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which addresses involuntary hunger by providing monthly food credits upon attending nutrition education sessions, job fairs and training seminars.

Attendees include DSWD Undersecretary for innovations and program development group Edu Punay, IPDG Assistant Secretary Baldr Bringas and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the disaster response management group.