THE Department of Agriculture (DA)- Zamboanga Peninsula, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), has conducted a community pantry that benefited the 116 families displaced by the August 18 fire incident in Calarian village, Zamboanga City.

The community pantry was held Saturday, August 20, 2021, at the Southcom Elementary School where the fire victims are temporarily sheltered.

They distributed food package consisting of rice, assorted vegetables, grocery items, and used clothing donated by the DA-Zamboanga Peninsula personnel.

Marissa Mohammad, AMAD chief, said that the activity is a simple way that the DA family would like to extend help to those affected by the fire.

Data gathered by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) showed that 95 houses were razed while 17 were partially destroyed by the fire.

CSWDO said that 116 families with 205 dependents were displaced during the fire incident.

Mohammad said the community pantry was held in collaboration with the DA Employees Association(DAEA)-Zamboanga Peninsula and DA-Zamboanga Peninsula Multipurpose Cooperative (ZPMPC).

“The assistance we gathered came from our KADIWA, our vegetables, rice and some basic grocery items. Our employees also donated some used but clean clothes. We hope this can help the victims especially for their food,” Mohammad said.

Jose Jacinto Antonio, DA-ZPMPC chairperson, also expressed gratitude to the members of the DA-Zamboanga Peninsula employees union and members of the cooperative with the show of support and providing monetary aid to purchase the goods.

Rowena Pajes, DA-Zamboanga Peninsula chief administrative officer, said that among the fire victims is also an employee of the agency in Zamboanga City. (SunStar Zamboanga)