COMMUNITY PANTRY : A MODERN BAYANIHAN

By Published On: May 25th, 2021
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Reviving Bayanihan Through Community Pantries

“Give what you can, take what you need” – George Whitman

Community Pantry

Image via: www.goodnewspilipinas.com | Article thumbnail photo from: www.mb.com.ph

With the catchphrase, “Give what you can, take what you need”, the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan – working together as a community to achieve a common goal – was revived through Community Pantries. The goal is simple yet meaningful: feed the mouths of fellow Filipinos during times of adversity.

A year after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Philippines faced a second wave in 2021, prompting another round of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Amid this, Ms. Ana Patricia Non started a small community pantry in Maginhawa, Quezon City, aiming to provide food to those affected by unemployment and poverty. The pantry also encouraged those who had more to give back to the community by donating food, money, and other necessities.

What began as a small gesture of kindness quickly became a nationwide movement. By the end of April 2021, 358 community pantries had been established across the country. To further support the initiative, an app was launched to help Filipinos locate the nearest community pantry, whether to donate or receive items.

These events remind us of the importance of humility, cooperation, and discipline. Even small acts of kindness can collectively create a stronger, more supportive community, demonstrating that we can all contribute in building a better world for one another.

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