A community pantry in Quezon City has returned to support drivers, riders, and transport workers affected by rising fuel prices and ongoing transport strikes.

Patricia Non, who started the community pantry movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the initiative returns with a targeted effort to assist the transport sector.

The Driver-Rider-Tsuper Community Pantry, located at a tricycle terminal along Maginhawa corner Magiting Street, encourages the public on giving and sharing based on need.

“Habang nagtataas po ang presyo ng gas at tuloy-tuloy po ang transport strikes, dating gawi po tayo para suportahan naman ang mga drivers. Ganun pa din po, magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan (As gas prices rise and transport strikes continue, we have always been supportive of drivers. It's still the same, give according to ability, take according to need),” Non said in a social media post.

Instead of monetary contributions, donors are encouraged to provide goods directly to ensure immediate assistance reaches drivers.

“Para po sa Maginhawa, hindi po kami humihingi ng monetary donations. Mas makakatulong po kung direkta kayong makapagdadala ng mga goods… para din po diretso sa ating drivers( For Maginhawa, we are not asking for monetary donations. It would be more helpful if you could bring goods directly… also directly to our drivers),” she said.

The initiative also calls on communities to replicate similar efforts near transport terminals or organize group donations with family and friends.

“Kung may malapit naman po sa inyong tricycle o jeep terminal, pwede po mag community pantry… kahit ano lang pong kaya (If there is a tricycle or jeep terminal near you, you can set up a community pantry... whatever you can afford),” Non said.

Similar driver-focused community pantries have also emerged in Camp 7 in Baguio City, San Nicolas in Pasig City, Calapan City in Mindoro, and along Matalino corner Masikap in Quezon City.

Organizers emphasized that beyond material support, the pantry stands as a symbol of unity with transport workers.