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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Region 9 team wins DSWD 'Walang Gutom' cooking challenge

Region 9 team wins DSWD 'Walang Gutom' cooking challenge

Published Jul 17, 2026 03:07 pm
Region 9's Junrey B. Flores and Ariel A. Balucan receive their award after topping the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Season 2 Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge 2026 National Finals. Joining them during the awarding ceremony are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
Region 9's Junrey B. Flores and Ariel A. Balucan receive their award after topping the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Season 2 Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge 2026 National Finals. Joining them during the awarding ceremony are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
Representatives from Region 9 emerged as champions in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Season 2 Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge 2026 National Finals held Friday, July 17, at the Quezon City M.I.C.E. Center.
Contestants prepare their entries during the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Season 2 Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge 2026 National Finals. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
Contestants prepare their entries during the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Season 2 Walang Gutom Kusinero: Cook-Off Challenge 2026 National Finals. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
The national cook-off gathered 12 regional champions from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, all beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Walang Gutom Program (WGP), to showcase nutritious, delicious, and affordable dishes prepared with fresh ingredients sourced from partner markets and Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets.
According to the DSWD, the competition aims to encourage program beneficiaries to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals for their families by applying knowledge and skills gained through the agency’s nutrition education sessions.
During the finals, contestants were given one hour to prepare dishes highlighting their regions’ flavors while demonstrating creativity and innovation.
Junrey B. Flores and Ariel A. Balucan of Region 9 clinched the national title with their dish, Mong Gu’t Marang sa Gata with Tusaba Corn, besting 11 other regional finalists.
Second place went to Region 2’s Chef Laila Navarro and Chef Lea Ortiga, while Region 6’s Diena Benbinuto and Bernadith Benbinuto finished third.
As national champions, the Region 9 team also qualified for Sustainable Livelihood Program grants, additional prizes from partner organizations, and a feature in the Walang Gutom Program’s “Pinggan Story” on social media.
The cook-off is part of the government’s flagship Walang Gutom Program, which supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to combat involuntary hunger by promoting proper nutrition and empowering more than 750,000 food-poor families nationwide to prepare healthy, affordable meals.
Under the program, qualified low-income households receive P3,000 in monthly food credits to help address hunger and malnutrition while improving access to nutritious food.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended the finals as guest of honor, together with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.
Belmonte welcomed the staging of the competition in Quezon City, saying initiatives that promote nutrition, food security, and practical cooking skills among Filipino families complement the city’s efforts to build healthier communities.
Among the dishes featured were Dinuguang Puso ng Saging, Dinakdakang Puso ng Saging, Kalabasa Blossom Royale, Creamavera Chicken, and Squash Rose Dumpling.
The Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) also deployed Emergency Medical Services personnel throughout the event to provide immediate medical assistance and ensure the safety of participants and guests.

Related Tags

METRONEWS DSWD Walang Gutom Program Walang Gutom Kusinero Cook-Off Challenge 2026 Region 9 Quezon City Rex Gatchalian Liza Araneta Marcos Joy Belmonte food security nutrition Kadiwa ng Pangulo national competition Philippines Center.
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