STUDENTS and teachers of the Bataan Peninsula State University canceled the opening of their community pantry because of the rising number of Covid19 cases in the province.

“Because of the surge in Covid19 cases in our province, we decided na huwag munang ituloy ang aming community pantry kasi baka maraming pumila sa labas, humaba ang pila, mag-ipon-ipon ang mga tao at magkaroon ng gathering,” Professor Jobe Paguio said.

Instead, Paguio said, they decided to give the donations to a community in Balanga City which is currently under lockdown.

“Ready to be offered at the community pantry were eggs, sugar, cooking oil, coffee, noodles and other food items, which were donated by faculty members and alumni of BPSU and their friends. The goods will be repacked for distribution to some 50 families in the identified village,” he said.

Paguio thanked the people who donated and others who are planning to contribute to their project.

“Sa mga gustong mag-donate, suportahan na lang natin ang ibang community pantry na mag-o-open dito sa Bataan o dalhin nila sa mga itatayong community pantry sa mga barangay nila. Maraming nag-e-express ngayon ng kanilang mga intension to donate, at the same time magtayo ng community pantry,” he said.

“To those who are availing of free food items at community pantries, adhere to the safety protocols against Covid19 by wearing face masks and face shields and practicing safe physical distancing,” he added.