Being a former thug did not deter Ronnie Santos from lending a helping hand to those in need in his hometown San Miguel, Bulacan.
Santos was exposed to a number of criminal activities ever since he became a close-in security of several politicians in Bulacan back in the 90s.
Eventually, he himself got involved in the underworld, later finding himself incarcerated in 2003 for a crime he committed and spent a huge part of his life locked up at the Bulacan Provincial Jail.
While in prison, Santos gradually changed his ways, eventually becoming a pastor in 2011. He soon regained his freedom in 2016 but still continued to spread the word of God up to this day.
Now, the ex-convict is leading his own version of a community pantry with the help of his wife and kids in an effort to provide essential support to people in need. Santos calls it “40 Day Support Blessing” as he intends to conduct his activity for 40 straight days which started on April 22.
“Walang pinipiling lugar at tao ang pagtulong. Nakakapanghinayang lang na hindi nararanasan ng mga naglalangoy sa kayamanan ang ligaya at sayang dulot ng paglingap at serbisyo sa mga tao maging sino man sila at taga-saan (Helping others does not recognize anyone or any place. It’s a pity those who have the means do not feel the joy of helping the needy whoever they are or wherever place they come from),” posted Santos on his Facebook page.
Santos has been distributing vegetables, canned goods rice, coffee and clothes to nearly 500 beneficiaries a day. He also distributes cash to senior citizens who continue to line up in front of his home every single day but assures strict health standards are being observed.
Santos said many have been providing him basic goods to fill his community pantry which he hopes will help him accomplish his 40-day mission.