PlayTime CARES in strong support and partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) successfully concluded the first-ever Walang Gutom Kusinero National Cook-Off Challenge at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) last July 25. The meaningful event brought together culinary creativity and community impact, and was personally graced by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, reaffirming the government’s whole-of-society approach to eliminating involuntary hunger.
At the heart of the event was the active participation of PlayTime CARES, the corporate social responsibility arm of PlayTime, which sponsored the event’s grand prize livelihood assistance package—a branded food cart awarded to the national winner—as part of its long-term commitment to community empowerment and food security.
Ten regional finalists representing various regions across the country—including Zamboanga Peninsula, Bicol, Western Visayas, and NCR—competed in preparing meals that exemplified the core principles of the DSWD’s Walang Gutom Program: Masarap, Masustansya, at Abot-Kaya (Delicious, Nutritious, and Affordable).
Each dish was required to be composed of ingredients sourced through the program’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) food credits—valued at ₱3,000 per month per family—promoting not just sustenance but culinary creativity within a modest budget. Judging placed equal weight on taste, nutrition, and affordability as well as innovation and technique.
The team from Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula)—Elenita Montaño and Jovelyn Montaño—clinched the top prize with a perfect score. Along with a ₱50,000 cash prize, the pair received a branded food cart sponsored by PlayTime CARES, signifying a concrete step towards sustainable livelihood beyond the competition.
Second and third place winners from Region 5 (₱30,000) and Region 6 (₱20,000) were also recognized. As a personal surprise, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. awarded all finalists with ₱100,000 each in recognition of their dedication to the cause.
The partnership between DSWD and PlayTime CARES goes beyond one event. Earlier this year, both organizations collaborated to activate the Walang Gutom Kitchen initiative – which provides freshly prepared meals to hundreds of food-insecure individuals – by integrating the program into PlayTime’s select brand efforts. This cook-off builds on that momentum, turning nutrition education and livelihood training into a celebration of Filipino resilience and culinary innovation.
“Through PlayTime CARES, we don’t just provide assistance—we support transformation,” said Krizia Cortez, Director for Public Relations of PlayTime CARES. “We believe that true empowerment comes when people are given the means to cook, create, and carve out their own future. This partnership with DSWD shows that public-private collaboration works—especially when it’s rooted in genuine care.”
More than a sponsor, PlayTime CARES has become a consistent ally in DSWD’s food security initiatives. By funding the cook-off prizes and livelihood packages, and continuously supporting programs aligned with nutrition, youth empowerment, and disaster relief, PlayTime CARES affirms its belief that entertainment companies have a powerful role to play in building a more inclusive and hunger-free Philippines.
