PNP raises P208M to aid poorest families affected by ECQ

April 26, 2020

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “Bayanihan Fund Challenge” has already reached P208.1 million, exceeding its P200 million target.

In a statement, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said the fund was raised through the voluntary contribution of police personnel from their salaries to help the poor families affected by the ongoing enhanced community quarantine, which is part of the government’s measure in preventing further spread of coronavirus disease (COVID19) in the country.

Banac said the project (aims) "to raise P200 million aid to help feed the poorest of poor who are the most economically vulnerable as strict ECQ in Metro Manila and other places hardest hit by the pandemic extends until May 15 and as well as GCQ measures begin in other parts of the country after April 30.”

He said the fund raising drive is also conducted in consonance with another PNP personnel voluntary donation drive called “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko!” Adopt a Family Program, which calls all police officers in the country to adopt an indigent family in their respective areas of responsibility by providing them food packs or grocery items and financial assistance good for at least one week.

“Latest total donation of police personnel to the 'Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko' or KKSK Program has supported over 141,000 poor families throughout the country or equivalent to P81 million worth of assistance which together with the PNP Bayanihan Fund Challenge will help augment the government’s social amelioration program,” he said.

Being in charge of the strict implementation of lockdown measures as well as contact tracing of COVID-19 infections throughout country, Banac said the PNP is also helping poor Filipinos endure staying at home amidst hard conditions for the nation to win its war against COVID-19.

“As our President Rodrigo Duterte is firm on imposing strict measures thru the PNP and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to contain the pandemic, we call on the heroism of our fellow Filipinos who are able to share their own resources to do their own Bayanihan and Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko contribution to help our poor brothers and sisters particularly our less fortunate children endure being homeliners for us to finally Win and Heal as One Nation over this Pandemic,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS