Angat Buhay and the Maginhawa Food Community, supported by ASA Philippines, launched “Kusina ng Pag-asa,” a national network of community kitchens for disaster response. The program unites restaurants and community kitchens into a swift-response network, providing hot meals to communities in times of emergencies.
The program builds on years of disaster response experience dating back to efforts under the Office of the Vice President, then led by former Vice President Leni Robredo. By building systems before crises happen, Kusina ng Pag-asa ensures that when disaster strikes, groups won’t need to scramble and start from zero, but can respond with care, coordination, and preparedness.
During the event launch held in Quezon City on Monday (April 20, 2026), Angat Buhay executive director Raffy Magno stressed how vital local restaurants, kitchens, and carinderias have been in the past for delivering hot meals every time there’s a disaster or typhoon.
“We believe communities are strongest when people, institutions, and local enterprises work together to respond to urgent needs. Kusina ng Pag-Asa is a step toward building a more organized, responsive, and humane system of food support during disasters and emergencies,” said Magno.
According to Magno, early coordination is central to the system, with partner kitchens and restaurants already identified across the country even before disasters strike.
Jules Guiang, President of Maginhawa Food Community, shared how the initiative reflects what is possible to support local enterprises while giving local businesses a greater purpose to help those in need.
“Through this initiative, we hope to build a network that responds with both efficiency and compassion, while showing that food served with dignity sparks the hope of recovery and rehabilitation,” said Guiang.
According to Angat Buhay, the initiative goes beyond immediate response. It ensures that aid is delivered on time and in a dignified manner, ensuring cultural appropriateness and proper food preparation.
As Angat Buhay President Rafael Lopa shared: “Tutulong na rin lang, tumulong na nang maayos. If you are going to help, help well.”
The program is envisioned not only as a disaster-response mechanism but also as a sustainable model of community care. Magno said that the system can also be activated beyond natural disasters, including during other crises affecting vulnerable sectors.
He cited the ongoing food distribution efforts of Trining’s Kitchen Stories, a restaurant in Marikina that has been providing food to drivers and delivery riders amid the ongoing fuel crisis, as an example of community-based food response.
On a personal note, as a Maginhawa resident, I’ve seen how small, local businesses actively mobilized during the pandemic and past disasters. When Typhoon Carina hit, Urban Chick Maginhawa was one of the restaurants that opened its kitchen to provide hot meals for thousands of evacuees. Sponsors were able to pledge a bowl of lugaw for P25 to help provide hot meals for those in evacuation centers.
And for those who don’t know, the Community Pantry movement originated in Maginhawa neighborhood. The simple act of putting out a bamboo cart and encouraging people to give what they could to those who needed it more, sparked a whole nationwide movement. With all the uncertainty happening in the world today and the impact on local businesses, it’s great to see the willingness to help beyond profits.
This movement goes beyond government aid or dole-outs. Everyone can help in their own way.
How to get involved
Want to get involved in the initiative? The Kusina ng Pag-Asa initiative is open to partner kitchens, restaurants, volunteers, and institutional partners for funding to help expand and strengthen the network.
Here’s how you can help:
- Be a partner (for goods, services, logistics, etc.): www.angatbuhay.ph/kusina-ng-pag-asa/partner
- Volunteer your kitchen: www.angatbuhay.ph/kusina-ng-pag-asa/kitchen
- Support Kusina ng Pag-Asa through donations: donate.angatbuhay.ph/kusinangpagasa
I also encourage readers to continue supporting the neighborhood cafes and restaurants that are part of the Maginhawa Food Community and share the advocacy for #KusinangPagAsa if you can. Check out my list of where to eat in Maginahawa below.