Channeling their own “Bayanihan spirit," residents of Barangay San Antonio in Pasig City opened a weekend community pantry for those who are severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Vico Sotto had earlier urged his constituents to open community pantries, saying no permit is needed to help in Pasig.
The Barangay San Antonio pantry, located in Escriva Drive Gate, was opened on Saturday (April 24).
Raymond Lising, barangay chairman of San Antonio, Pasig lauded his constituents for showing their compassion and for coordinating with the barangay to open an orderly community pantry.
“I am very proud of my constituents for showing that ‘bayanihan’ spirit is very much alive in Barangay San Antonio. This is their initiative. We salute them for opening this through their generous donations,” he said.
“They coordinated with the barangay to ensure that minimum health protocols will be strictly followed at the pantry,” he added.
Lising also urged his constituents to continue their noble cause, saying that Barangay San Antonio, Pasig supports them 100 percent.
“The government alone cannot help everybody affected by the pandemic. It is high time for initiatives like this,” said Lising.
“I highly encourage them to coordinate with us for the safety or organizers and those people queuing at pantries. We will ensure that minimum health and safety protocols will be observed,” Lising said.
The Rotary Club of Ortigas Center and Ortigas Center CBD Association, Inc. (OCAI) will open a community pantry at Ortigas Park on April 28, from 4-6 p.m.
He said all these initiatives of Barangay San Antonio residents are inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry which was started by Ana Patricia Non.
“Many people lost their jobs during this pandemic, and many establishments were forced to close due to its economic impact. Such initiatives are ways of our kabarangays to extend aid to those affected by the pandemic,” he said.
Over 450,000 individuals lost their jobs due to the pandemic, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Many businesses in the country were also forced to shut down due to the impact of hard lockdowns.