NAPC lauds efforts of community pantries amid the pandemic

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 20 -- The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) lauded the efforts of community pantries in different parts of the country to help provide food for the needy amid the pandemic, a move that complements the agency’s ‘Kaisa ng Sambayanan Laban sa Kahirapan’ (Ka-sambayanihan) Volunteers Program which undertakes similar efforts at the barangay level.

Speaking before the NAPC’s second virtual general assembly for April, Secretary Noel Felongco cited the community pantries as an exemplary example of the Bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos as he underscored the importance of working together to overcome the numerous challenges that the nation is currently facing.

“Nais kong ibahagi sa lahat ang mga balitang nakakapagpataba ng puso na ating natutunghayan online, kung saan napakarami ng komunidad ang nahimok ng Maginahawa Community Pantry at nagtatag ng kani-kanilang mga community pantries hindi lamang dito sa NCR kung hindi maging sa iba’t ibang mga probinsya sa Pilipinas para sa mga higit na nangangailangan ngayong panahon ng pandemya,” he said.

“Tunay nga na sa mga ganitong hamon at pagsubok, ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan ng bawat isa ang higit na kailangan upang ang mga ito ay mapagtagumpayan,” Felongco added as he expressed desire to partner with the community pantries to help meet the government’s goal of ending poverty.

The community pantries share processed and packed goods as well as rice and fresh produce to anyone who needs them free of charge.  The food items are provided by the organizers and individuals who want to do their part in easing hunger and in caring for those who have less in life.

The mushrooming community pantries is also the essence of ‘Kasambayanihan’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2606369266349150/about) where volunteers even formed barangay command centers to help other residents by gathering and distributing relief goods during the height of the community quarantine.

Kasambayanihan is tasked with implementing the programs of Sambayanihan Serbisyong Sambayanan, the NAPC’s five-year poverty alleviation development plan.  One of the plan’s primary goals is to enhance food security by enabling local agricultural production to satisfy local food demand and prioritize local food requirements.

This will allow community members who are usually financially strapped, to buy their own produce. It upholds their right to consistent access to safe, nutritious, and culturally acceptable food. (NAPC/PIA-Caraga)

 

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