The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will close community pantries found to be in violation of applicable government health protocols, which could result in COVID-19 transmission.
According to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, they will issue an advisory and memorandum to local government units (LGUs) on the proper management of community pantries initiated by the private sector and individuals.
According to the secretary, the organizers of the community pantries should liaise with the LGUs to effectively implement the health protocol, maintain peace and order, and ensure that the goods distributed reach the people who really need them.
He said that if a community pantry is found to be in violation of health protocols, it will be a ground to stop its operation.
The secretary further explained that the LGU has a big role to play as it will determine the venue of the community pantry to ensure it is accessible to the people, and he will also provide security and help maintain order and peace in the area.
He also said that the LGU can coordinate local producers with community pantry organizers.
DILG to close community pantries violating health protocols
In this regard, Año also praised the initiative of Maginhawa Community Pantry and assured that they support the charity of the private sector and organizations during this time of pandemic.
The DILG announced this regulation days after a senior citizen fainted and died while lining up at a community pantry organized by actress Angel Locsin.
Angel explained on her Instagram that the gathering started well but the overcrowding made social distancing impossible.
“Maayos naman po kami, may mga stubs naman po na pinamigay. Then parang ‘yung mga walang stubs sumingit sa pila. Naiintindihan ko naman po kasi kanina pa sila sa pila pero ayon ‘yung naging dahilan kaya nagsiksikan,” the actress said.
“Sa lahat po ng naabala ngayon, pasensya na po. Hindi po ito talaga ang intensyon natin. Kahit anong paghahanda namin para ma-avoid ‘yung gantong gulo, hindi lang talaga siya ma-control kahit na nandito na ‘yung munisipyo, military, pulis, barangay.”
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