AID FOR POOR. A man in Catarman, Northern Samar receives a relief pack from members of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The PNP in the province on Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2020) said it helped 2,315 poor families affected by the health crisis through its “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko!” adopt-a-family program. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar Provincial Police Office)
TACLOBAN CITY – Some 2,315 poor families in Northern Samar affected by the global health crisis have received relief assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
These comprise 11,594 individuals assisted from April to Oct. 8, said Col. Arnel Apud, PNP Northern Samar provincial director, in a statement on Wednesday.
"Care and compassion, these are our fuel in delivering our services here. As front-liners, I am lauding the extra efforts of our men and women in the grounds sustaining this initiative," he added.
The nationwide effort, dubbed “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko!” of the PNP, encourages police officers to adopt an indigent family in their respective areas of responsibility by providing relief goods or cash assistance amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Since its start in April, cash donations received have amounted to PHP1.2 million, which was used to purchase PHP500 worth of relief items for each family.
"Coming from the own pockets of our uniformed personnel here and support from other stakeholders, various forms of donations were provided to beneficiaries. These include grocery items, clothing, medicines, hygiene kits, even cash and renovation of their shelters," Apud said.
The province has 973 police personnel assigned at the provincial office and local stations.
He added the project will continue as quarantine measures remain in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
"We are also grateful to the support of our stakeholders that reinforced the donations. With an eye to end this pandemic, we will continue the program and we hope that the police force here could bring it to an extra mile," Apud said.
To date, Northern Samar has confirmed 384 Covid-19 cases, including 153 recoveries and zero death, based on the monitoring of the provincial government. (PNA)
