Armatech, Pepoy’s serve hundreds of hot meals to typhoon-hit community

As recovery efforts continue across Saipan following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Armatech Corp. and sister company Pepoy’s Cafe & Restaurant stepped up last May 9 by distributing hundreds of free hot meals and bottled water to residents lining up in vehicles under the scorching heat.

“We’re distributing 750 hot lunches to people to help support our community during these difficult times,” said Armatech administrative officer Yvette Anne Melo Bolivar.

Bolivar said the companies prepared rice, chicken adobo, and bottled water for residents, with demand quickly exceeding expectations as vehicles continued to pour into the drive-thru line.

She said by midday, “we have distributed so far around 400 hot lunches to the people,” adding that residents were “very grateful and thanking us.”

Pepoy’s owner Malou Malasarte, who prepared the meals, said the kitchen initially targeted around 700 meals but continued cooking and packing additional food because of the unexpectedly long line of residents waiting for assistance.

Bolivar said the outreach may not be the last.

“For now, this is the only schedule we have, but definitely after this event, because we’re having fun, definitely after this event, we’re going to think how can we continue the support we’re giving to the community,” she said.

She said the companies also sustained typhoon-related losses, with Armatech’s staff house damaged during the storm and materials at the company shop also affected.

“So, for the Armatech, our staff house was actually damaged, so our staff are struggling right now with their staff house,” Bolivar said.

Despite the damage, she said Armatech resumed operations within days because of the urgent need to repair generators.

“We already started resuming our work because there’s plenty generators coming in the shop, and we have to prepare them to help our community as well,” she said.

Bolivar added that Pepoy’s has also been coordinating with community food drives, including support efforts linked with World Central Kitchen.

“To the community, you’re not alone,” she said. “As long as we help each other, we can make the island a better place.”