Kalinga Community Pantry concludes, plans to give excess donations to remote barangays

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Kalinga Community Pantry, which opened last Saturday, April 24, 2021 that served over 600 yKalingas during its operation, was concluded on April 29.

Said project was inspired by the Maginhawa Community pantry to help ease the economic crisis among individuals in dire needs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In an interview with organizer and Lakbay Kalinga group member Mandel Gup-ay, he said that they are still receiving donations from private individuals and groups, but decided to end the pantry’s operation and give the remaining donations to the far-flung communities that need their services.

“Ag-survey kami pay dagiyay talaga a marigatan a communities, siguro diyay marigatan unay a bassit a barangay or isolated a barangay a medyo adayu ti grocery stores kanya da,” he said.

During the pantry’s operation, Gup-ay said they received more than P20, 000 cash donations aside from the goods given by compassionate individuals.

Cash donations were then used to purchase goods such as grocery items to be displayed at the pantry.

Among the donated goods they received were fruits, vegetables, rice and other produce which were usually given by farmers and students.

With the success of said initiative, Gup-ay expressed his gratitude to all the individuals who took part during the conduct of said activity.

“Agpaspasalamat nak kadagituy willing piman a nag-donate, dagituy partners tayo a kairamanan ti Kalinga Police Provincial Office, Tabuk City Police Office, PNP TAF, 503rd Brigade, Cordillera Youth Brigade, Kalinga Basura Express ,PLGU Information Services, Vagabond Igorot, DPWH Upper Kalinga ken PLGU Tourism Services,” he said.

He likewise expressed thanks to the youth volunteers for extending their services and for showing their eagerness of helping their ‘kailyans’ especially during these trying times.

As recalled, initiators of said activity are staff of the Kalinga Tourism Office, members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Vagabond Igorot, Lakbay Kalinga, Cordillera Youth Brigade, Kalinga Basura Express group and several students.