Floating food banks: Community pantries thrive in coastal areas through PCG's help
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has put up food banks in the coastal areas of Bataan, Manila, and Iloilo to keep alive the spirit of giving through the community pantry amid the lingering threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The PCG Station Bataan built a community pantry which it called "community kusina" (kitchen) where they loaded food packs and other daily essentials in a boat and went around to offer it to the coastal communities in Mariveles town on Thursday, May 27.
Through the floating pantries, at least 40 fishermen received food packs which contained fresh vegetables and rice, the PCG said.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Coast Guard Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (CGETDC) put up “community kusina” in different barangays in Manila last Tuesday.



At least 400 food packs and daily essentials were distributed to the Manila residents, the PCG said.
The PCG Station Iloilo also set up a community pantry in Barangay Ticud in Lapaz town last Tuesday.

The pantry was packed with rice, fish, vegetables, and canned goods among others.
The PCG Station Iloilo said its personnel ensured that social distancing was maintained and residents who lined up to get the goods were told to wear face mask as a safety precaution against COVID-19.
This was not the first time that the PCG established community pantries to assist Filipinos who were affected by the pandemic.
Last April, the Coast Guard also set up floating pantries in the middle of sea in Surigao del Sur, Zambales, and Camarines Sur.