The Philippine Army spearheaded the distribution of 15 tons of assorted vegetables and 15,000 kilos of rice donated by Lucio Tan Group of companies (LTG) thru the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc (JVOFI) to the residents of Brgy. Southside, Makati City and Brgy. 156, Pasay City last April 6, 2020, and Brgy 12 Caloocan City today, Apr 7 2020.
In the midst of the crisis brought by COVID-19 in the country, the JVOFI purchased fresh produce from United Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center Stakeholder Credit Cooperative in the benefit of the Benguet farming communities. Said produce were repacked and turned over to the Army on April 6 for the distribution to the affected residents.
Each of the 5,000 family-beneficiaries of the foodpack distributed by the Army received 3 kilograms of mixed vegetables consisting of cabbage, sayote, and carrots with three kilograms of rice. The foodpack is intended to give relief to the poorest of the poor communities and families whose incomes were affected by the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
The project is a continuing effort of LTG to help in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in ending hunger and ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round particularly to the people in vulnerable situations. The organizations also aims to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the livelihood of the farming communities and to help alleviate the unrest of the daily wage earning families brought by the prolonged enhanced community quarantine.
"The Philippine Army extends its gratitude to the partners who generously support our citizens," said the Philippine Army Spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala. "Your Philippine Army will continue to render our service to our partners in delivering relief to the families who need it the most," Zagala added. #