Make community pantries barangay-based

The community pantry that was started by Patreng Non became “viral” primarily because it is supposedly “filling a gap” where those who have more can share with those who have less.

These community pantries (food, vegetables) complement the government’s “ayuda” program (cash) in addressing the needs of constituents during the pandemic. But various issues have evolved, such as the “red-tagging” by the

Philippine National Police, data privacy and human rights violations, lapses in health and safety protocols/social distancing, as well as possible breaches in the peace and order situation in areas where these community pantries are located.

One reasonable concern has something to do with the “bubble scenario,” where a particular barangay/community needs to be secured from the possible influx of infections from exposure to people coming from other barangays.

My simple solution is to ensure that community pantries are “barangay-based”—that is, no “criss-crossing,” for example, of a resident from a barangay in Marikina to a barangay in Quezon City where a particular community pantry is located. This is in addition to the reminder regarding strict compliance with basic health protocols.

EMILIANO M.MANAHAN JR.
[email protected]