PRO-6 launches food bank

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 on Saturday joined the rest of the PNP community in the grand launching of the PNP Help and Foodbank.

The initiative aims to enhance the support of PNP stakeholders in donating relief goods that would be readily available for distribution if calamities or disasters hit the region.

Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, Western Visayas police chief, said the program shows that the police’s duties go beyond preventing and solving crimes.

“Our personnel can extend help not only in fighting criminality but more importantly in showing genuine concern to alleviate their situation in times of crisis or calamity,” he said.

The PNP Help and Food Bank aims to collect and store goods, specifically basic needs such as food, clothing, medicine kits, and other important things when disasters arise.

PRO-6 and stakeholders of the different provincial and city police units have collected 130 sacks of rice, 83 cases of assorted canned goods, 80 cases of noodles/ pancit canton, 18 cases of coffee/milo/milk and biscuits, assorted vitamins with a total of 3 boxes and 45 packs, a Balik Bayan box of used clothes, and 50 boxes of assorted food packs.

“The PNP Food Bank represents a concrete manifestation of our dedication to serve and protect not only through law enforcement but also through compassion and empathy. In times of need, we stand as a beacon of hope for those who are facing hardship and are struggling to put food on their tables, especially during crisis situations and calamities,” Villaflor said.

The event also aims to foster stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

The region’s top cop has cited their partner organizations, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and individuals who contributed to this cause.

“I commend them for their selflessness and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Together, we are creating a legacy of compassion and service that will echo through the years,” he said.

Such activity is nothing new to the PNP.

In May 2021, at the height of the pandemic, the PNP also launched “Barangaynihan” (Bayanihan sa Barangay) Help and Food Bank.

The said initiative also aims in helping those who lost their jobs and livelihoods because of the Covid-19 pandemic.