THE Business Network International (BNI) Capital Cebu Chapter and Compassion for Humanity International Group Inc. (Chigi) organized a community pantry as the leadership of these firms decided that in these troubling times, the only thing to do is to work together as a community — and the best way to work together is to give back.

Chigi partnered with BNI Capital Cebu Chapter and Barangay Lahug in holding a community pantry on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at the Lahug Elementary School gymnasium.

The organizations distributed canned goods, hygiene kits and essential food packs, among others, to more than 200 families.

The event introduced the ticket-and-point system, wherein each family received 500 points, allowing the family to pick any donated item with different points until they used up all the points.

The was system was implemented to make sure that the distribution would be fair, equal and safe.

The donors and sponsors of the community pantry were the following: BNI Capital Cebu Chapter members, Dunkin Donuts, Zest-O, Philusa Inc., Calmoseptine Inc., Globe Telecom, Spaller Trading, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, San Jose Bakeshop, Natures Spring, Oppein, MAV Companies Aggregrates Inc., Bulusan Construction Services Inc., RIMAB’S Specialty Building Products Inc., and Goldene Inc.

CHIGI is a non-profit organization duly registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

As an organization, it is committed to work with communities to enhance the quality of life by alleviating poverty through comprehensive programs in education, employment generation, health care, food and shelter with the cooperation and involvement of local residents in strategic community partnerships. It also holds other similar activities for its community extension.