CABANATUAN CITY – Several parishes within the Diocese of Cabanatuan have put up their own community pantries “to help our brothers and sisters who are in need, especially in this Covid-19 pandemic.”
In an announcement, Bishop Sofronio Bancud called on parishes to set up pantries under the diocesan program called Community Helping Community: Alay Kapwa sa Pamayanan. Explicitly, it said the establishment of pantries in parishes was “inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry.”
It also cited Galatians 6:2 which states: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
In San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, the community pantry that started on April 20 has added to its continuous provision of food to people in the town’s isolation facility, particularly at San Leonardo Central School, according to San Bartolome Apostol Parish.
“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nagpaabot na kanilang mga tulong upang tayo ay makapagbahagi sa ating mga kapatid na nangangailangan sa gitna ng pandemya,” the parish said in its social media post.
It encouraged the faithful to continue giving. “Patuloy po ang ating gagawing pagbabahagi. Sa mga nagnanais na magpaabot ng kanilang mga tulong, maaari po kayong pumunta sa tanggapan ng ating parokya,” it added.
In the agricultural municipality of Aliaga, volunteers have also established a community pantry at Maria Clara St., Barangay Sto. Tomas to cater to local residents.
The pantry which they also called Bodegang Bayan receives donations from several individuals.
