Community pantry run by the Nueva Ecija 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, in front of its headquarters. Contributed photo
CABANATUAN CITY — At least 34 community pantries were simultaneously launched in the entire province of Nueva Ecija by all of the police’s stations and field forces on Wednesday.
Nueva Ecija police director Col. Jaime Santos said the activity was aimed to mitigate the effects of the pandemic by providing and giving basic food provisions such as rice, vegetables, and groceries to the residents of Nueva Ecija based on the capability of the local PNP and with the help of well-meaning individuals and organizations who donated for the purpose.
The activity is anchored on the slogan “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan” wherein residents are encouraged to donate whatever goods they may give, and get only what they need.
Aside from the community pantry established in Barangay Gomez, Sta Rosa town, all community pantries were put up in front of the different police stations. These “baranggaynihan” projects will continuously be conducted on weekly basis targeting the depressed and/or threatened barangays to show these communities that they were not left behind.
Santos said the activity has no political color. However, he encourages other government agencies to do the same to help the community especially those who are living below the poverty line.
“Your PNP is here showing you our bayanihan spirit by giving and sharing. With God’s grace and mercy, we shall all overcome this pandemic,” Santos said.
The establishment of community pantries amid pandemic was spearheaded by Ana Patricia Non in Quezon City who was later red-tagged by certain government agencies.
