Hunger and malnutrition issues became significantly more urgent to address due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Vulnerable communities in the Philippines such as those who recently lost their jobs and low-income families are greatly affected by the pandemic.

To address these pressing challenges, the City Government of Malabon continues to provide nutritional packages, relief goods, vitamins, and non-food items to the community through its various Kalingang Malabonian programs.

A few months ago, “Kalingang Malabonian Lugaw on Wheels” program was launched by Mayor Lenlen Oreta, a nutrition champion recognized by the National Nutrition Council. The program aims to provide filling food that can supplement the caloric and nutritional needs of every Malabonian amid the pandemic.  

“We continue to do our best so that no one will be left behind in Malabon, especially about health during the pandemic. Even though ‘Kalingang Malabonian Lugaw on Wheels’ is a simple program, it is very fulfilling because we are able to help and spread happiness within our community” says Mayor Lenlen Oreta.

Since May of this year, Malabon’s Mobile Kitchen visits various barangays in the city every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to serve free ‘lugaw’ – our nation’s comfort food. The ‘lugaw’ that the City of Malabon provides is a complete meal full of various nutrients as it contains rice, eggs, chicken, and other condiments such as dried garlic and onion chives for added seasoning.

The mobile kitchen is located at a strategic area in the barangay so that the community workers and volunteers  can guarantee safety health protocols during the distribution. Anyone can visit the mobile kitchen – it’s unlimited, until supplies last.

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19, volunteers from food for work also deliver the individually packed porridge to each household through e-bikes.

“Hopefully by December, our Mobile Kitchen is able to do a round trip visit in all the 21 barangays in Malabon City. Together, we can fight both the COVID-19 pandemic and malnutrition in our community” says Mayor Lenlen Oreta.

‘Kalingang Malabonian Lugaw on Wheels’ is a beacon of hope and optimism for every family that is struggling with malnutrition and the pandemic. With something as simple as ‘Lugaw on Wheels’, it can provide support and aid to thousands of people in Malabon City.