Jamayka Rhose Pascual

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched the food bank named “Walang Gutom Kitchen,” to address hunger and food waste in Pasay City.

Photos Courtesy of DSWD Walang Gutom Program.

In a recent data revealed by the Social Weather Stations, 22.9% of Filipinos experienced involuntary hunger in the third quarter of 2024.

The food bank allows restaurants, hotels, and fast-food chains to donate surplus food to feed hungry families and individuals.

According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the program represents a partnership between the public and private sectors to reduce food waste and alleviate hunger.

"Ang private at public sector ay magsasanib pwersa para mabawasan ang wastage sa pagkain at matugunan din ang problema sa kagutuman at later on, we expand this nationwide," he stated.

Gatchalian also said that the initiative adheres to Republic Act 9803, or the Food Donation Act of 2009, which encourages food donations for charitable purposes.

He then added that the initiative is expected to expand nationwide after its initial success.

“Ang plano natin is to expand it later on and open more of its branches so that 'yung mga kababayan natin na nasa pribadong sektor na may excess na pagkain, pwede nilang maibaba rito sa Walang Gutom Kitchen para 'yung mga nagugutom nating mga kababayan, pwedeng-pwedeng pumunta rito anytime para makakuha ng libreng pagkain,” he emphasized.

The first site is located at the Nasdake Building in FB Harrison, Pasay City, operating daily from 6 in the morning until supplies are depleted.

Gatchalian then encouraged businesses to donate surplus food rather than discard it, ensuring it reaches families in need.

"Kesa itapon ang pagkain, maraming nagugutom, ibagsak nila dito, kami na ang magsisigurado na ang mga nagugutom nating kababayan eh makakakuha ng pagkain araw-araw," he said.

He reiterated that donations must comply with the law, which guarantees the safety and quality of food for recipients.

“We will take on any type of food donation and drinks donation, whether gusto mo na own personal capacity or nagkataon na may negosyo ka at may sumobrang pagkain, basta galing sa pribadong sektor, alinsunod na rin sa batas, tatanggapin namin iyan para ipakain at ipamahagi araw-araw sa mga nagugutom nating mga kababayan,” Gatchalian added.

The DSWD also plans to replicate this food bank nationwide to reach more Filipinos in need and reduce food wastage.