(Photo courtesy of DSWD Eastern Visayas)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) in Catbalogan City, Samar, has distributed 6,254 free meals during its first month of operation, providing food assistance to residents struggling with hunger and financial difficulties, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Wednesday.
DSWD Eastern Visayas Regional Director Grace Subong said the facility serves more than 200 meals daily, prioritizing low-income families, street dwellers, minimum wage earners and individuals experiencing involuntary hunger.
“Since the WGK opened on Oct. 12, most of those served are from Catbalogan City. Recently, however, residents from other towns in Samar, including students, have also been coming to avail themselves of free meals,” Subong said.
According to Subong, the kitchen caters to individuals facing temporary financial difficulties, including workers struggling to make ends meet while waiting for their next payday.
She explained that the facility does not have regular beneficiaries, as most visitors seek assistance based on their immediate needs.
“If we notice that someone comes to eat at WGK for successive days, we will find out why. We see this as a point of entry for our interventions,” she added.
The initiative is implemented through a partnership between the DSWD and the Samar provincial government.
Under the arrangement, the provincial government provides the facility, equipment and personnel while covering electricity and water expenses.
The program aims to improve access to nutritious meals while helping authorities identify individuals and families who may require additional social welfare assistance.
The Catbalogan facility is the fourth Walang Gutom Kitchen established nationwide.
The DSWD opened its first kitchen in Pasay City in 2024, followed by facilities in Cebu City and Zamboanga City in June 2026.
All four kitchens operate daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering free breakfast and lunch to qualified beneficiaries.
The DSWD said the initiative supports the government’s continuing efforts to address hunger, strengthen food security and provide immediate assistance to vulnerable communities.
