A community pantry launched Friday afternoon (April 23) in Barangay Doongan here aims to serve families heavily impacted by the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Doongan Barangay Captain Gilberto Enriquez told Philippine News Agency that the pantry will provide assorted vegetables, eggs, two kilos of rice, sugar, salt, and other basic cooking needs to low-income families.

Enriquez said the pantry’s daily supply would be provided by various civic organizations and other Good Samaritans from the village.

“We already met with the different civic organizations here, including the heads of different line agencies of the government, for support. Most offices of line agencies are situated here in Doongan,” the village official said.

Barangay Doongan has a total of 19 sub-communities or ‘puroks’, Enriquez said, adding that Friday’s opening was supported by the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI).

Lovely Mae Plaza, the Assistant City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) and a member of PASWI, said the association has supplied the initial goods for the opening of the pantry.

“PASWI is among the civic groups in the city that will provide support to this pantry in Doongan,” Plaza said.

The launching was also graced by CSWDO chief Golda Pocon, who also serves as the president of PASWI in the area.

Enriquez said different volunteer groups, especially from the youth sector, would also help manage, handle, and provide aid to residents who will come to the pantry.

He also hopes that more pantries would open in other villages here as the battle against the pandemic continues.

“The government is working for the people and in the communities through different programs and initiatives, especially in this time of the pandemic,” Enriquez said. (PNA)