ILOILO City – As early as June 30, Cong. Julienne Baronda started rendering community service as penalty for attending a mass gathering last month.
According to Nestor Canong, head of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) Compliance Team here, this was even prior to Mayor Jerry Treñas’ order for her and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) regional director Jerry Candido to render community service.
Canong, who was tasked to monitor the officials’ compliance to the order, noted that Baronda organized a community kitchen and personally distributed food packs to the medical personnel and support staff manning the city government’s various vaccination sites.
On June 30, she distributed 400 food packs at the Central Philippine University (Jaro district) and another 350 packs on July 5 at the University of San Agustin vaccination site (City Proper).
On July 6, when she received the order of Treñas, she continued with the community kitchen and distributed 250 food packs at the Iloilo Convention Center in Mandurriao district.
Canong said the congresswoman even helped in the food preparation.
Yesterday, Baronda distributed lunch packs at the Ateneo de Iloilo vaccination center in Mandurriao.
Today, Canong said, Baronda will distribute 540 food packs in two vaccination sites.
The community service has no specific duration, added Canong.
Baronda vowed to continue with her community kitchen when she returns after Congress’ session next week.
On the other hand, Candido and other BFP personnel will render community service today starting with a coastal cleanup at a beach in Barangay Santo Niño Sur, Arevalo district, followed by a community pantry and mangrove planting./PN
