Negros and Bacolod government and Church officials Friday, April 23, thanked Good Samaritans responsible for the growing number of community pantries in the province and city.
In response to the call to “Give whatever you can, take only what you need,” makeshift stalls with donated fresh produce, canned goods and other essential needs for the poor have sprouted on sidewalks, in front of homes, business establishments, Church grounds, police and fire stations, and even in remote villages in Negros and Bacolod.
“True to the Bayanihan spirit of Filipinos, we should encourage rather than put malice on these kind hearted individuals,” Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia thanked the Bacolodnons responsible for the setting up of community pantries in Bacolod City that continue to grow in number every day.
“This is what we need today and we have to give credit to the Filipino Bayanihan spirit and good naturedness”, he added.
He hopes politicians do no ride on the initiatives of these Good Samaritans who have been setting up community pantries in Bacolod City ”out of the goodness of their hearts in order to help,” Leonardia said.
Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said “the phenomenon of the community pantries sprouting all over is truly amazing and heartening. It reflects the Filipino sensitivity and sense of solidarity for his kababayans in difficulty, much like the bayanihan spirit we see in times of calamity and disaster.”
But he would also like to think that it “is a manifestation of the Christian spirit that has taken root in us since 500 years ago. It is our practical and concrete response to Christ’s call to love one another as he has loved us,” Buzon added.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said “when at mass the presider says ‘Let us give each other the sign of peace!’ — for me the community pantries are but one concrete living out of this exhortation together with the final word of the priest at the end of every mass: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord in one another.”*