President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday monitored the preparations for the opening of a new Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) in Catbalogan City, Samar in October, the fourth facility nationwide that aims to provide free and nutritious meals to vulnerable Filipinos.

Marcos, accompanied by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, inspected the facility, which is currently under construction.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Catbalogan City is expected to open in the first week of October and provide up to 200 meals per day, including breakfast and lunch, to help address hunger and malnutrition.

“Sa pamamagitan nito, mas maraming pamilyang nangangailangan ang magkakaroon ng access sa pagkain at iba pang mahahalagang serbisyong panlipunan (Through this initiative, more families in need will have access to food and other essential social services),” the PCO said in a statement.

During the inspection, Gatchalian briefed Marcos on the facility’s final floor plan and key areas, including the registration, dining hall, food service area, water station, and feedback and assistance desks.

The facility will have a Pag-abot Program Desk for counseling and other immediate assistance, as well as the Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program to help improve learners’ reading skills.

The fourth Walang Gutom Kitchen will be established through a partnership between the DSWD and the provincial government of Samar under the Tutok at Aksyon sa Nutrisyon Kitchen program.

The target clients of the WGK expansion site include vulnerable groups, including homeless, street dwellers, low-income earners in the informal sector such as pedicab and motorcab drivers, and individuals experiencing involuntary hunger.

Food preparation and cooking will take place in the Provincial Youth Development Center kitchen, while the adjacent Function Hall will serve as the venue for beneficiary dining, serving, and activities.

The Walang Gutom Kitchen was first launched in Pasay City on Dec. 16, 2024, followed by two additional branches in Cebu and Zamboanga in June 2026, further expanding the program’s reach across the country. (PNA)