As hundreds of community pantries popped up in Metro Manila and in several provinces, a policeman in in Albay has opened his own version--a coffee pantry which offers freshly brewed coffee and bread for free.

But there's one condition, according to Patrolman Mark Aleph Maceres. Those who want to enjoy free brewed coffee must bring their own cups.

Maceres said he was inspired by simple street coffee shops and this gave him the idea to open a “coffee pantry,” in Barangay Santo Cristo in Tabaco City.

“Inspiration ko po sa pagtayo ng coffee pantry yung mga pop up street coffee shop (My inspiration to create a coffee pantry are the pop up street coffee shops) and as part of our Albay Police Provincial Office’s Modern Day Barangayan and Bayanihan,” Maceres told the Manila Bulletin.

The coffee pantry was packed with coffee beans from Kalinga, Benguet, and Sagada, as well as sugar, creamer, and bread.

Maceres shared that it was also his way to give back to the community.

“Naisip ko po ang coffee pantry kasi hobby ko po mag-prepare ng brewed coffee (I thought of creating a coffee pantry because my hobby was also to prepare brewed coffee) and also my way to share sa community dito po (here),” he said.

For those interested to give donations, they can contact them at 09776283046.

Several community pantries have sprouted in Metro Manila and in the provinces with the aim of giving food and supplies to everyone in need amid the economic difficulties brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.