It began with a simple act of kindness and a table. Then the community pantry initiative spread quickly across the Philippines.
People from all walks of life have been donating vegetables, canned goods and other essential needs that are placed on tables for those who are in need to avail of for free.
“Give what you can and take what you need” has been the battle cry that has touched hearts and triggered the sprouting of community pantries that have been increasing in number in Bacolod City and throughout Negros Occidental daily.
Residents, policemen, students, the rich and poor, have come together to help those in need.
In Bacolod City, more than 15 barangays have hosted community pantries since Monday, April 19.
Many more residents have called for donations to reach more people who need help.
Kim Lizares, whose group was among the first to establish a community pantry in Bacolod, shared on Facebook that there was a fragile old man who went to the community pantry on their second day.
She said that the elderly man took canned goods, egg, and noodles, and told them that he was grateful for their initiative and promised he would return to make his own donation.
He did come back with malunggay leaves from his home, she said.
“He’s living proof that no one‘s too poor not to give,” she said.
Lizares said their community pantry, which was set up at 12th Lacson Street, will stay “as long as there are donations.”
Col. Romy Palgue, provincial police director, said that the police are supporting the initiative and that many more police stations across Negros Occidental have established their own community pantries.
Among those that set up community pantries in front of their police station were Escalante City, Toboso, Sagay City, Murcia, Sipalay City, and San Enrique.
Palgue urged the Negrenses who are in need to visit the community pantries set up by the local police stations.
“The good thing about this COVID-19 pandemic is it reminded us the importance of showing compassion and love to our neighbors and it is by sharing,” he said.
The Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation Team also delivered MingoMeals to the San Antonio Abad parish community pantry in Bacolod City Wednesday.
“We thank the donors who have been sending us provision for the community pantries. We use this to buy fruits, vegetables, rice and dried fish. It’s a full circle of help and love that goes all the way up the mountains to the small farmlands of the Indigenous Peoples, to the sea where the Peter Project fishermen find their catch. We also match donations of Mingo one-to-one so every meal donated is doubled,” NVC president Millie kilayko said.
The farmers and fishermen start delivery on Friday, which will be delivered by NVC to community pantries in Bacolod, Talisay and Silay cities, she added.
COMMUNITY ‘PAWNTRY’
Meanwhile, the first community “pawntry” in Bacolod City opened at Falcor Marketing Corp. at Narra Avenue in Capitol Shopping area Wednesday, April 21.
According to PAWSsion Project, this is their collaborative effort with Falcor.
“Those who wish to donate more supplies for our furry friends may send us a message. More ‘pawntries’ and feeding stations soon,” PAWSsion said.*