Arteche Makes National Top 10 in Walang Gutom Awards for Anti-Hunger Program

• Three Eastern Visayas LGUs, Palompon, Baybay City, and Arteche, were recognized at the DSWD’s national Walang Gutom Awards on May 12 for their anti-hunger efforts.

Beejay Balagbis 3 months ago 918

Posted on May 13, 2026 at 9:34 pm

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Three local government units from Eastern Visayas were recognized during the national Walang Gutom Awards organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on May 12.

From Leyte province, Palompon and Baybay City received honors, while the municipality of Arteche from Eastern Samar emerged as the region’s sole representative in the top tier of awardees.

Arteche secured a spot in the Top 10 Outstanding Anti-Hunger Initiatives Nationwide through its “One Barangay, One Gulay” Program, earning a P2-million grant from the DSWD. The award was received in person by Arteche Acting Mayor Roland “Boie” Bowad Evardone and Municipal Agriculturist Antonio Luceres Jr.

During the presentation to judges, Evardone highlighted how the program focuses on backyard and community gardening to strengthen food security, ensuring nutritious and accessible food is available in every barangay.

The initiative aims to empower families and communities by encouraging vegetable farming, guaranteeing a steady supply of healthy produce while promoting active participation from residents. It has become a model of collaboration between local government, barangay officials, farmers, and community members.

The Walang Gutom Awards is a joint effort of the DSWD and Galing Pook Foundation, supported by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with the goal of building a hunger-free Philippines.

Photo courtesy: DSWD