MNLKID goes to Cubao: Duterte's Kitchen
July 09, 2017
Beeping sounds of traversing vehicles on the roads, fizzling train from the above, and a few people standing, walking, and running. Towering skyscrapers dressed with colorful billboards, plenty of people working for survival - these things make Cubao a very urban area.
With all things that are present in the place, there's one reality that makes us all unease - the existence of hungry stomachs.
We can't deny that the authorities exert efforts to solve this problem, but those projects seem to be insufficient. To eradicate hunger and extreme poverty were even included in the Millenium Goals of the United Nations, but even up to this day, hunger is still a problem for some nations especially to those who are considered a third world.
The fight against hunger seems to be bleak and full of despair, but a certain place in Cubao, Quezon City proves that a change starts in simple acts.
"Duterte's Kitchen", not a project of the Government, feeds hungry stomachs of all ages, from breakfast to dinner. The kitchen operates from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday - Saturday.
The brigade against hunger started in October 2016, a brainchild of Sec. Alfonso Cusi of the Department of Energy but initiated by Dexter Araquel.
Inspired by the "Palugaw ni Mayor" in Davao City, the project initially fed children but as donations flooded, it began to feed everyone who comes to their kitchen. As Duterte's Kitchen continues to fight hunger in Cubao, media noticed them.
Several interviews conducted that resulted to overflowing donations.
Only 9 months old, this project is the first to use the name "Duterte's Kitchen" with a famous tagline "Walang matutulong nang gutom" (No one will sleep hungry). As of today, Duterte's Kitchen is being ran by Miss Gail Gumana as the Operations Manager with "Sir Jeffrey" asthe admin.
The kitchen-in-charge were, Noel Ramos and Gema Musong both cooks, with Janilyn Ugayan and George Mendez as their assistants.
The kitchen also has its regular volunteers, "Ate Mimi" and "Nanay Rodora" along with other volunteers who keep the area clean and organized. These people got nothing in exchange.
With hearts for service, these people are contented to see smiling faces as a return for their good deeds.
"Actually, magaan sa pakiramdam na makatulong sa taong nangangailangan lalo na yung mga nagugutom sa kalye na palakad-lakad lang, yung homeless" (Actually, it's a great feeling to help people in need especially those who are in the streets who are hungry, homeless), Said Sir Jeffrey. As what they always say, as the new millenium entered, people gradually lose its faith in the humanity.
But, this project proves that the heart for service and charity is still burning, as long as willing persons exist.
This kitchen is very different because it is not running for monetary profit, but after the aspiration to keep hungry stomachs full, not just with the food, but of hope. For donations and volunteers, you can go directly to their headquarters along MRT Cubao.
You can also reach them in their hotline numbers: 0915-551-1099 and 437-0423.
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