A member of the Rotary Club of Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines, delivers a packet of food.

By Elizabeth P. Directo, Rotary Club of Camp Aguinaldo, Philippines

Knowing that many people have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic, incoming club presidents in our district (3780) were looking for a way to spread a little bit of hope to those who lacked it. So we partnered with a mobile kitchen, run by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to make and distribute meals for residents in need.

Since we started the joint effort two months ago, Rotary members, volunteers and the military personnel onboard the mobile kitchen have fed thousands of people a day in areas such as in Quezon City, San Juan, Malabon, Marikina, and Manila. We will soon be sending the kitchen to Barangay Pinagbuhatan and Parañaque City.

The government of the Philippines issued a statement that “no Filipino will be left behind in this battle against COVID-19.” This is our way of supporting that effort. We are also feeding workers who have been stranded because of the virus, students who are living on little or no financial support, residents of informal settlements, and families living in poor communities.

The mobile kitchen relies mostly on donations in-kind and cash from different organizations including Anghel ng Masa, Midnight Manna, United Off Roaders, and the Tzi Tzu Foundation to name a few. Our members, who have also donated funds, are volunteering side-by-side with these inspiring people from the armed forces and partnering organizations.

Rotary members are at their best during challenging times, and we have never been prouder to be Rotarians than right now.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines mobile kitchen