By Cyrus A. Natividad

An abundance of food and vegetables at the community pantry.

Under strict health protocols, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) organized a Community Pantry from May 10 to May 19, 2021. Since Monday, different CAS Departments were assigned to organize the Community Pantry in distributing packs of rice, eggs, chicken, dried fish, canned goods, and vegetables. The activities were held at the CPU 3rd Gate (Rotunda) along Lopez Jaena Street.

According to Dr. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the budget comes mainly from the travel allowances of the Dean and Department Chairs, as well as of the CAS Student Body which was unused in the SY 2019-2020. Travels were suspended at the time due to Covid1-19. There were some alumni and private individuals who also donated in cash and kind.

On Day 1, the CAS Dean’s Office sponsored the distribution of goods for Brgy. San Isidro; Day 2 (Brgy. San Isidro) – Social Science Department, and on Day 3 (Brgy. Lopez Jaena) – Social Work; Day 4 (Brgy Lopez Jaena) Chemistry Department; Day 5 (Brgy. Dungon A) – Life Science Department; Day 6 (Brgy. Dungon A) – DLMCH; Day 7 (for confirmation)-Math and Physics.

Professors Darril F. Pamocol and Kareen Jay Lozada are Chair and Co-Chair, respectively. CPU Security Personnel, the Jaro Police Officers, and the Barangay Tanod of the assigned beneficiary and the CPU Red Cross Youth extended their assistance to maintain peace and order.

This community pantry is an expression of thanksgiving of how CPU was blessed in this trying time and as part of the CAS 95th founding anniversary. The partnership of CPU and the community is still alive and possible in times like this. A short program and a prayer with the beneficiaries were held before the distribution of goods.

Dr. Fernandez shared this verse from Hebrews 13:16 — “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”