A ‘community pantry’ in Barangay Malabago, Mangaldan, Pangasinan is helping hundreds of residents cope with rising living costs, as many families struggle to make ends meet.

Rosalie Muyargas said her family depends on her husband’s daily income of around P400 to P500 as a hollow block maker. With 12 family members to feed, she said they often stretch meals just to ensure everyone eats.

She said the free food they received from the pantry was a big help.

“Malaking bagay sa amin lalo’t wala kaming pambili ng ulam,” Muyargas said.

Barangay officials launched the community pantry using funds from the local government’s crisis fund, along with contributions from barangay officials.

Around 600 residents received free vegetables and cooked meals, with priority given to low-income households, including families of tricycle, pedicab and jeepney drivers, as well as those who lost livelihoods due to the ongoing crisis.

“‘Yung ibang constituent sinasabi nila sa amin na 100 lang ang kinikita nila ngayon. Siyempre ang hirap kaya gumagawa kami ng paraan,” Barangay Chairwoman Myla Muyargas said.

She added that barangay officials coordinated with zone leaders to identify the most vulnerable households.

“Ang household natin ay 1,100. Mga kagawad na sa bawat zone ang nagbigay kasi sila rin ang nag-identify talaga ng mga higit na nangangailangan,” she said.

Officials said funds remain limited and may not cover all families in the village, urging understanding from residents who were not included in the initial distribution.