Malacañang lauded the emergence of community pantries in different areas of Metro Manila as the National Capital Region (NCR) remained under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until the end of the month due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement following the establishment of a bamboo cart project dubbed as the "Maginhawa community pantry" in Quezon City inspired more of the same kind to sprout in different parts of the Metro, particularly in Quezon City and Manila.
The community pantry allows anyone to freely give and take food items in the spot where the pantry is located.
In his statement on Saturday, Roque said the concept was praiseworthy.
"The emergence of community pantries is laudable. It exemplifies the Filipino bayanihan spirit during this challenging time of COVID-19," he said.
'As we have said in numerous occasions, we cannot defeat the COVID-19 pandemic alone. We need the support and cooperation of everyone," he added.
According to Roque, the government has been doing its part to help those affected by the pandemic, especially by the recent lockdown.
"The social amelioration programs and services of the national government serve as subsidy for the provision of basic necessities and tool for the recovery and rehabilitation of the most affected families and individuals," he said.
The Palace official, however, reminded the public to keep observing health protocols to avoid catching the disease.
"The medium and long-term solution remains safeguarding the physical safety of our people while ensuring the economic health of the nation. Ingat buhay para sa hanapbuhay (Protecting our lives so we can make a living)," Roque said.
"We, therefore, ask our people to continue observing the minimum public health standards, so together, we can heal and recover soon," he added.
The original community pantry was set up beside a tree in Maginhawa, the area in Quezon City known as a food hub.
On Friday, residents of Matiyaga Street in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City created their version of the community pantry near the Urology Center of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, another pantry was established in P. Noval Street in Sampaloc, Manila wherein rice, canned goods, instant noodles, and vegetables were up for grabs.