What began as a response to the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic is now becoming a regular expression of care for Ilonggos, as the Iloilo City Government brings free food and community-based services to public plazas through its Community Kitchen sa Plaza initiative.

A total of 1,600 residents benefited from the program’s first two activities, which served 575 plaza-goers at Molo Plaza on October 2 and another 1,025 at Jaro Plaza on October 9.

Led by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the initiative reflects the city government’s continuing effort to make social welfare services more accessible while ensuring that food assistance reaches communities in a safe and nutritious manner.

For Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, the program traces its roots to a time when lockdown restrictions during the pandemic made it difficult for residents to move around and access basic necessities.

“During the pandemic, it was difficult for us to move around the community because of the lockdown. That was when I thought of launching a Community Kitchen to help our residents. Eventually, this became a standard part of our disaster response during calamities,” Treñas said.

What started as a way to help residents cope with an unprecedented crisis has since become part of the city’s disaster-response efforts. Now, the initiative is taking another step forward as the city government makes it a regular activity, bringing food assistance directly to communities even outside times of emergency.

Under the new schedule, the CSWDO will conduct Community Kitchen activities every Friday at a designated plaza in Iloilo City, providing residents with easier access to food assistance within their communities.

Beyond distributing free snacks, the program also recognizes the important work of Supplementary Feeding Workers, who help ensure proper food preparation, nutrition, sanitation and safe food handling.

Their role underscores that community feeding is not simply about providing food, but also about protecting the health and well-being of those being served.

The next Community Kitchen sa Plaza activity is scheduled at La Paz Plaza on October 16, 2026.