Police officers are among those keeping the “bayanihan” spirit alive in Negros Occidental by putting up pantries outside their headquarters across the province.

As several police stations started to open their own pantries earlier this week, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) announced on Wednesday that all other stations will follow suit under the initiative called “Barangayanihan”.

Col. Romy Palgue, police provincial director, said the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic reminds people of compassion and love toward one’s neighbors by sharing what they can give.

He invited Negrenses in need of basic goods to visit the pantries in their respective police stations, and also asked those who have something to share to take part in the initiative.

“We heal as one, we support this Barangayanihan,” Palgue said.

Those that have opened a community pantry are the Escalante City Police Station, Toboso Municipal Police Station, Sagay City Police Station, Murcia Municipal Police Station and Sipalay City Police Station.

The pantries contain basic and essential goods such as rice, vegetables, eggs, canned goods, noodles, coffee, toothpaste, shampoo as well as face masks and face shields.

The items are provided by police personnel and by other donors.

In Negros Occidental, private individuals and youth groups have also opened community pantries in Silay City, Victorias City, Kabankalan City, Sagay City, La Castellana, and Binalbagan. (PNA)