The notion of community pantry is scary for politicians because it shows that society can function without them and their patronage politics are rendered irrelevant via @infamouspen on Twitter
Community pantries sprouted all over the country.
Wanting to spread love and hope among neighbors, individuals set up small makeshift stalls containing food and essential items.
A sign said, “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan. Kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.”
In English, it translated to: “Give what you can. Take what you need.”
This community pantry started in a street in Quezon City with a sizeable traffic.
This small effort went unnoticed.
Someone posted it on Facebook.
Media took notice, and reported it.
Inspired by that small gesture, more people set up their own community pantries.
National government and the President took notice.
Reports of red-tagging (accusing the person behind this effort a communist) broke the news.
The first community pantry closed down for fear of reprisal.
Another report said a government permit is required to open a community pantry. Government denied saying it.
A government official admitted they profiled people behind these community efforts.
A top police officer denied this action.
Filipino journalist Ed Lingao said it best: “And just like the pandemic, the community pantry brought out the best–and the worst–in all of us.”
Foreign news service Bloomberg captured this recent movement in its headline: “Free Food Pantries Sprout in Philippines as Aid Delayed.”