An entrepreneur from this city has put up her own community pantry and encourages others to extend help to the poor.
Mary Ann Medina, a businesswoman, told the Philippine News Agency on Monday that she is optimistic others would do the same, just like in other areas nationwide, especially at this time of pandemic when many have lost their jobs.
“I started Sunday (April 18) inspired by initiatives like in Quezon City. I want to create awareness that we can help the Dabawenyos in our own little way, Roxas Community Pantry is now open for everyone. We are one in helping the less fortunate and encourage others to donate and share their blessings,” she said.
Medina set up the food pantry in her community because she wanted to help her fellow Dabawenyos. “We are private individuals and not political. We are business entrepreneurs and we are not allowed to get involved in any organization or politics,” she said.
Medina shared that the initiative was not a new experience for her since she also gave food donations when the city was put under enhanced community quarantine last year.
“The concept of community pantry is somehow different since they are the ones who get their food out of these baskets. So far our stocks were not abused as they only get what they only needed,” she said.
The concept of bayanihan in the form of community pantries has created an impact, prompting others to do the same in their communities.
“If we achieve our goal and see that community pantries were replicated in the barangays then we can stop. If not, we will keep on helping. But I guess it has created an impact since a lot of people are calling and expressing willingness to create one of their own,” she added.
For the pop-up food pantry that they set up, rice and fresh vegetables are displayed on the baskets to ensure that the recipients get healthy food.
“We preferred rice and vegetables since it is both healthy and affordable. There are also donations from random people like cat foods and others,” Medina said.
Since setting up the pantry, donations in kind and in cash are pouring in as these garnered hundreds of shares on social media.
“If we receive a donation [in cash] we replenish our stocks immediately. We make sure that their donations were utilized and reached to those who are in need,” she said.
Meantime, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte has ordered the City Social Welfare Development Office to check the various community pantries in the city to make sure that health protocols are observed.
Duterte clarified in a radio interview that if there is no violation committed by the organizers, they can go on with the project.
“We will let the CSWDO check the situation and if there is no violation of the Covid-19 protocols, then we don’t have a problem on that,” she said.
Medina assured that they are adhering to the health protocols.
“We really avoid mass gathering. The good thing here is, they are disciplined. They only get what they needed for their family and then leave,” she said. (PNA)
