Pandemic Stories: Community kitchen served 2.5 million meals to lockdown-affected Ilonggos

At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Jerry Treñas created the Uswag community kitchen to help feed Ilonggos who were immensely affected by the lockdown.  Operating with the help of donors, the city government was able to provide more than two million meals.

 

One of the most effective initiatives of Iloilo City Government, Uswag (progress) Community Kitchen (UCK) has been activated with the goal that “no Ilonggo will be left hungry”.

A total of 240 UCKs have been set up in daycare centers and barangay halls.

 

These were manned by Supplemental Feeding (SF) workers, volunteer Blue Angels coordinators and daycare workers who prepared and delivered meals either for breakfast, lunch or snacks.

 

“By August 2021, we had a total of 2,570,042 food meals served to our 180 barangays. We thank the persons behind this initiative especially to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, and his daughter Raisa,” Point Person Mary Grace Centino said.

Centino, who is also manager of Public Employment Service Office (PESO), partnered with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) that oversees the SF and daycare workers.

 

The UCK also extended help to needy stranded individuals and to Badjaos.

 

The total distribution would reach up to 30,000 meals in one day.

 

“In this time of global health crisis, let us not forget to show the value of humanity through kindness and generosity within our hearts. Indeed, it is better to give than to receive. We are united as one Iloilo City,” said Centino.

 

"The Uswag Community Kitchen (UCK) is a clear manifestation that Ilonggos are making sure that no one will be hungry during the time when we were under ECQ. I thank all donors, volunteers and organizers. We will all get through this together. We will not leave anyone behind with your support and your help! Bátò Iloilo!" Mayor Jerry Treñas said.