Residents in the province of Ilocos Norte received various commodities for consumption and for planting courtesy of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office’s community pantry.

Locally known as the “Kadiwa ni Ani” community pantry, the different offices of the DA Region 1 located in the province is setting up their own pop-up pantry every week to help those who are most affected by the ongoing pandemic.

In Dingras town, some 56 residents in Barangays Cali and Saludares as well as in nearby towns of Marcos and Solsona on Monday were given mung beans, red and black rice, inbred milled rice, mushroom, squash, and eggs.

Those who are interested to plant likewise received inbred palay seeds, cowpea, pole sitao (string beans), glutinous corn, and mushroom fruiting bags.

May Ann A. Malicad, science research specialist II of the Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center (INREC) in Dingras station, said Tuesday that most of the commodities being distributed in the community pantry were produced by their office while others were donated by private individuals.

“Let us support our farmers and fisherfolk and help feed our people,” Malicad said, as she posted in her Facebook account the Kadiwa pantry initiated by their office to serve those in need.

She said another community pantry was also set up by their co-workers at the DA-INREC station in Batac City located along the national highway for easier access by residents.

Aside from distributing vegetable seeds, the Batac station also gave away fruits and vegetables such as ripe papaya, banana, garlic, mung beans, and eggs.

Inspired by the sprouting pantries across regions and provinces, the government-initiated Kadiwa pop-up pantry in Dingras and Batac also accepts donations of any kind to help those who need it most.

The public, however, are reminded to always observe minimum health protocol and social distancing for safety. (PNA)