The 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) under the Army’s 7th Infantry Division formally opened its Sinagtala Community Pantry in five towns of Aurora province on Saturday and Sunday.

In an interview on Sunday, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91IB, said the project was started with the help of donors who want to assist the Aurora townsfolk who are greatly affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

He added that the undertaking is in line with the Philippine Army’s “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko” project.

“This is one way of showing our support to our constituents in the area amid (the) Covid-19 pandemic,” Rubio said.

The pantries are located in Barangay Masagana in the town of Dilasag; Barangay Poblacion 8 in Casiguran; Sitio Marawi, Barangay Simbahan in Dinalungan; Barangay Sapang Kawayan in Dipaculao; and Barangay 4 in San Luis.

The pantry in Dipaculao opened Sunday and the rest on Saturday. They offer rice, vegetables, and grocery items to the needy and will be open daily.

“When the circumstances seem despairing, we can elevate each other’s spirit through cooperative undertakings. As such, the 91 Infantry ‘Sinagtala’ Battalion is assiduous in extending its support to communities through ‘community pantries’ as part of the government’s initiative to relieve distress amid the Covid-19 pandemic,” Rubio said.

He added the Bravo Company initially provided 100 kilos of rice, 15 kilos of tilapia, 100 pairs of slippers, two sacks of assorted clothing, 100 pieces of canned goods, 100 packs of noodles, 10 trays of eggs and 300 pieces of assorted bread for the pantries.

The battalion headquarters also provided various kinds of vegetables such as eggplant, bitter gourd, cabbage and squash, as well as eggs and noodles.

Rubio also said for the pantry in Dipaculao, the 91IB personnel donated PHP50 each from their own pocket.

Meanwhile, the Aurora Reservist Shooters Association, Inc. is currently gathering goods and money for the noble activity.

“We keep on finding ways and means to serve our people and this is one way of extending the Bayanihan spirit, our “Kapwa ko, Sagot ko program” which we have started last year for those severely affected by the pandemic. We will not hesitate to go beyond our means to deliver basic services and relief goods to the poorest of the poor who are still affected by this pandemic,” Rubio said.

He reminded the people to get only enough food and give others in need a chance to also avail of the free goods from the community pantries. (PNA)