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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider 7-year-old boy celebrates birthday by organizing a community pantry

7-year-old boy celebrates birthday by organizing a community pantry

Published Apr 30, 2021 01:15 pm

Instead of having party, a seven-year-old boy in Bulacan decided to set up a community pantry in celebration of his birthday to help people in their neighborhood who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trish Peñaflor / MANILA BULLETIN

Wearing a spiderman costume he was supposed to wear for the party, Andreu stood in front of several tables laden with various goods, including rice, vegetables, and pancit, for a photo opportunity before opening the pantry.

Attached to the tables was a poster with the words: "A touch of kindness at Andreu's 7th birthday."

"Nakakatuwa kasi bihira sa bata magenjoy ng ganyan, wala lang kaming picture nakatanggal mask…kasi safety protocols din (It's heart-warming because it's rare for children to enjoy that kind of activity. We didn't have pictures not wearing face masks due to safety protocols)," Trish Peñaflor, Andreu's mother's childhood bestfriend, told the Manila Bulletin.

She added that Andreu's custome also served as his personal protective equipment (PPE). She uploaded on Facebook several photos of the birthday boy.

Andreu's parents, who requested anonymity, said their child "was aware of what's happening in our country" and about the pandemic and thought of setting up the pantry to provide food for people in his community.

"He always watches it on the news that there are people setting up pantries in different areas. That's where he got the idea," his parents said in a Facebook message.

"So instead of a party, he wanted to help others affected by the pandemic . We, as a family, agreed that it is a good idea also and we're also glad about it," they added.

Andreu's community pantry opened on April 28, in time for his birthday, at Palmera Homes in Barangay Kaypian, San Jose del Monte. It catered to at least 100 residents, according to Penaflor.

Photos taken during the opening of Andreu's pantry were posted on Facebook and earned praises from netizens.

"Yung mga ganito, ramdam mo yung kabutihan ng isang tunay na pagbibigay sa murang isip, bukas na ang puso nya sa pagtulong sa kapwa. Napaiyak ako sa kasiyahan sa batang ito, mas pinili nya ang tumulong sa higit na nangangailangan (You'd really feel his kindness because at his age, he has a heart to help people. I cried out of sheer happiness. This kid chose to help people in need)," a certain Eva Grefiel said. "Happy birthday little boy. I salute you."

"Matatalino mga bata ngyon, marunong gumamit ng social media, so I guess isa din talaga sa naging way 'yon (Kids nowadays are smart. They know how to use social media. So I guess, that's one of the reasons he was inspired in setting up a community pantry)," Peñaflor added.

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