EastMinCom-backed Community Pantries Draw 1,000 Families

The program themed “Kayang Kaya at May Pag-asa Basta’t Magkakaisa” aims to support the efforts of the national and local governments in protecting the collective interest of the people and in responding to the call of solidarity amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Three hundred families recently benefitted from a community pantry jointly spearheaded by the 5th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, and the Local Government Units of Davao City at Brgy 5-A Covered Court in Bankerohan on May 7.

 

Meanwhile, 130 families also received bags of rice and assorted canned goods from a Tulong Bayanihan outlet set up by the Tactical Operations Group 10 in Barangay Pigsag-an, Cagayan de Oro City on May 4.

Different Local Government Units in Cotabato worked hand in hand with the troops of 39th Infantry Battalion in putting up donation hubs at Purok Mahugani, Brgy Luayon and Purok 3, Brgy Sta Felomina in Makilala, Cotabato on April 16 to hand out food packs to 122 residents.

 

Through the aid of the Mindanao Peace Council, H.O.P.E Kababaihan Foundation, Samahan Student Leaders of Ateneo de Davao University, and the Agumil Philippines, Inc., the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM) was able to set up a Tulong Bayanihan outlet in Barangay Talomo, Davao City on April 24 where 220 residents were able to get bags of rice, assorted canned goods, and sachets of coffee and energy drink.

 

Another Tulong Bayanihan outlet facilitated by TOW-EM, Tactical Operations Group 11, and Philippine Air Force Civil-Military Operation Group also sprouted at Bureau of Air Transportation Compound, Old Airport, Sasa, Davao City on April 29 which drew 210 residents benefitted from the donated goods composed of rice, canned goods, vegetables, and sachets of energy drink.

 

MGen. Almerol expressed his gratitude to the Command’s peace partners who have continually shown their support for peace and development in Mindanao amid the pandemic. In all Tulong Bayanihan para sa Bayan outlet, facilitated by EastMinCom units, the standard health protocols have been strictly observed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.

 

“The establishment of Tulong Bayanihan Para sa Sambayanan Program would not have been possible if it were not for the firm support and selfless acts of the different stakeholders who have went the extra mile just to watch over their fellow Filipinos in these very challenging times,” MGen. Almerol said.

 

“The whole EastMinCom stands ready to support community pantries which are set up with pure intentions to help and uphold the Filipino culture of Bayanihan but frowns upon those who might try to exploit or take advantage of this kind gesture,” MGen. Almerol added.

 

The EastMinCom Commander also urged the Command’s peace partners to continue working with the government forces in replicating this endeavor to ensure that the peace-loving people of Mindanao will be protected from entities who are trying to spoil peace in the communities.#