Walang Gutom Program (WGP) beneficiaries from the Zamboanga Peninsula emerged as the grand winners of the Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge 2026 National Finals after its entry, Mong Gu’t Marang sa Gata with Tusaba Corn, topped the national competition that showcased nutritious and affordable meals prepared by beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) WGP.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos announced the winners, with Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) placing second for its Dinakdakang Puso ng Saging, and Region 6 (Western Visayas) finishing third with its Modern Tinolang Manok.
In his speech, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the competition, held at the Quezon City MICE Center, highlighted how Filipino families can prepare nutritious and affordable meals using locally available ingredients, while reflecting the broader goal of the Walang Gutom Program, which combines food assistance with nutrition education to help families prepare healthier meals.
Gatchalian shared that when a Filipino is asked what the happiest part of a day is, the answer is often simple, and that is when the family eats together at the table.
“Pero hindi lahat ng kabahayan ay nagkakaroon ng ganitong pagkakataon. May mga magulang na tinitiis ang gutom para makakain lang ang kanilang mga anak. Meron ding mga bata na pumapasok sa paaralan na hindi nakakapag-aral ng mabuti dahil kumakalam ang sikmura (But not all households have this opportunity. There are parents who endure hunger just so their children can eat. There are also children who go to school but cannot study well because their stomachs are growling),” he said.
Gatchalian stressed that addressing hunger goes beyond ensuring that food is available.
“Hindi rin sapat na may pagkain lang sa hapag, mahalaga rin na alam natin kung paano maghanda ng pagkain na masarap, masustansya at akma sa pangangailangan ng bawat miyembro ng pamilya (It’s not enough to just have food on the table; it’s also important to know how to prepare meals that are delicious, nutritious, and suitable for the needs of each family member),” he said.
He said the Walang Gutom Program’s nutrition education sessions equip parents with practical knowledge on food selection, meal planning and preparation, noting that the right knowledge could help parents to cook meals that are nutritious and within their budget
The cook-off competition, he said, precisely demonstrates that nutritious meals do not have to be expensive.
“Sa pamamagitan ng Walang Gutom Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge 2026, pinatunayan natin na kayang-kaya nating magluto ng masarap na pagkain gamit ang mga simple at abot-kayang mga sangkap. Higit sa lahat, ipinakikita nito na pag may tamang kaalaman sa nutrisyon, masustansyang putahe ang maihahain natin sa mesa ng bawat Pamilyang Pilipino (Through the Walang Gutom Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge 2026, we have proven that we can cook delicious meals using simple and affordable ingredients. Above all, it shows that with the right knowledge of nutrition, we can serve nutritious dishes on the table of every Filipino family).”
Gatchalian emphasized that the nutrition education sessions under the program teach beneficiaries the right nutrition and proper meal planning, and practical preparation of nutritious dishes for the whole family.
Congratulating the finalists, he said reaching the national stage already reflected what beneficiaries can achieve with the right support.
“Sa ating mga finalists, congratulations sa inyong lahat. Ang paglahok sa national finals ay patunay ng inyong sipag, talento at dedikasyon. Ngunit higit pa riyan, ipinakita ninyo na ang bawat benepisyaryo ng Walang Gutom Program ay may kakayahang umangat kapag ang tamang suporta ay natatanggap (To our finalists, congratulations to all of you. Your participation in the national finals is proof of your hard work, talent and dedication. But more than that, you have shown that every beneficiary of the Walang Gutom Program can rise when the right support is received)” he said.
Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the finalists shared a common motivation that went beyond cooking skills.
She said that she was impressed by how the Walang Gutom Program upholds the dignity of beneficiaries while ensuring that the food they prepare is “nutritious, delicious, and affordable.”
“Pero maliban sa husay sa pagluluto, alam ko na lahat ng ating finalists ay pinagbuklod ng isang bagay, ang pagmamahal. Talaga namang walang tatalo sa secret ingredient na ‘yan, love (But aside from their cooking skills, I know that all our finalists are united by one thing, love. Indeed, nothing beats that secret ingredient, love),” she said.
Before ending his remarks, Gatchalian announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had granted PHP100,000 to each of the 12 regional finalists, for a total of PHP1.2 million.
“So, ngayong tanghali, walang uuwi ng luhaan. Lahat ng national finalists, panalong-panalo na (So, this afternoon, no one will go home in tears. All the national finalists are already winners),” he said.
The Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge is part of the DSWD’s Walang Gutom Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
Aside from providing eligible households with monthly food credits, the program requires beneficiaries to attend nutrition education sessions to help them prepare balanced, affordable meals using locally available ingredients. (PNA)