As the community pantry "virus" spreads across the country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is having its fair share of good vibes via the deployment of its so-called "AFP Mobile Kitchen".
Using a hulking military truck, the AFP distributed some 3,000 packs of hot meals for lunch and dinner to poor families living near the Camp Aguinaldo General Headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday, April 29.
AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana said the initiative was aimed at helping individuals who were affected by the imposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"The AFP Mobile Kitchen is one of our soldiers' humanitarian actions to help and provide assistance to our less fortunate kababayans as our nation continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
Military personnel from the 7th Civil Relations Group and 11th Civil Military Operations Battalion prepared the food packs and personally handed them to the beneficiaries.
Sobejana said the beneficiaries were identified by local officials of Barangay Socorro. They included street sweepers, pedicab drivers, and families living in nearby slums.
He said the AFP has been conducting community-based efforts through the "Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko" campaign since the pandemic started in March 2020. The military campaign seeks to alleviate the plight of poor communities affected by the pandemic.
The AFP Mobile Kitchen is staffed by soldiers with culinary training while civilian volunteers help in the preparation of the meals.
The project is a joint undertaking of the AFP Civil Relations Service, Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR), and the AFP Quartermaster General.
"The AFP will continue to partner with well-meaning individuals, organizations and companies to sustain the noble initiative for our citizens. We welcome those who wish to contribute and be part of the AFP’s Community Kitchen whether through the use of military resources or donations," Sobejana said.