Quezon city: 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, 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. He emphasized that addressing hunger goes beyond ensuring that food is available, stressing the importance of knowing how to prepare meals that are suitable for the needs of each family member.
He noted that the Walang Gutom Program's nutrition education sessions equip parents with practical knowledge on food selection, meal planning, and preparation, explaining that the right knowledge could help parents to cook meals that are nutritious and within their budget. The cook-off competition, he stated, demonstrates that nutritious meals do not have to be expensive.
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.
Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed her admiration for the finalists, highlighting that beyond their cooking skills, the motivation shared by all participants was love, which she described as the ultimate secret ingredient.
Before concluding 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, ensuring that no participant went home empty-handed.
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.
