San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said on Wednesday, April 21, that there is no need for a permit to operate a community pantry in the city.
"No need for permits but must follow all minimum health standards and protocols for the safety of everyone." Zamora said in a Viber message to the Manila Bulletin.
Zamora had earlier welcomed the opening of community pantries in the city and thanked their organizers for showing the true essence of the bayanihan spirit.
Read more: Mayor Zamora lauds opening of community pantries in San Juan
The announcement was made a day after Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Martin Diño initially said that those who wish to set up their own community pantries must first obtain a permit to operate them.
But DILG Secretary Eduardo Año and Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya clarified later that day that such permit is not needed and instead, organizers may coordinate with the barangay local government units (LGUs) to ensure that proper safety protocols such as social distancing and mass gatherings are observed.