Various forms of community pantry have emerged as a continuation of the bayanihan among Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Marikina City, dubbed the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines,” people lined up 2 tables full of slippers and shoes set up by 2 stores in Barangay Santo Niño.
In less than an hour, the aid inspired by the distribution of food in Maginhawa Street, Quezon City has run out.
According to the shoemakers, even though slippers and shoes are not as important as food, they hope they have helped each other in this time of pandemic.
“Kasi parang ‘yung nangyayari ngayon medyo stressed ang mga tao, sabi namin kung puwede kaming makatulong sa ibang paraan para mamigay kami ng katuwaan dito sa community namin,” said Elise Ebullan, one of the shoe givers.
In Barangay Addition Hills in Mandaluyong, caring for the environment is equally helpful to the barangay’s “community palit-basura.”
The barangay has been working on the project since 2019 but they have also included the theme today in the community pantry.
“Mayroon slogan doon [sa community pantries], ‘Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha ayon sa pangangailangan.’ Ginawa ko naman, ‘Magbigay para sa kalinisan ng kapaligiran, kumuha ayon sa nakalaan,'” said barangay chairman Carlito Cernal.
Shoes, slippers, aids, boundary distributed in community pantries
Some policemen also joined in the distribution of aid through “Boundary Mo, Sagot Ko” in Sampaloc, Manila.
Aside from distributing food, the police answered the P200 boundary of more than 20 tricycle drivers who were slow to pass due to the lockdown.
Manila police also answered the P250 boundary of 20 drivers on España Boulevard.
Quezon City police set up a community pantry for jeepney drivers who do not drive and beg on the road.
For the police, it has also become part of their duty before they go on duty to distribute food to those in need.
“Pinili namin tumulong sa mga tsuper na walang trabaho,” said Lt. Col. Melchor Rosales, chief of police in Fairview, Quezon City.
The drivers also received donations of bananas that they made merchandise while still hoping to go back to work to earn money.
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