Bayanihan —the bloom of community pantries in the Philippines
This pandemic does not only give risk to our health, but also a huge impact on our daily lives. When the government imposed quarantine, we were all forced to stay at home. A lot of people lost their jobs due to prohibited working shifts outside. It has been a year since Coronavirus distubed the whole world. Sadly, it caused sickness and worst, deaths.
Kudos to our frontliners who are brave enough to lead the fight against coVID-19. They did and constantly doing sacrifices for their fellowmen. In fact, they have their own families but they chose to serve and do their job even without waiting for paybacks. Their service made us all complacent— they keep us safe and sane through treating the coronavirus patients day by day.
Our economy really went down because of the pandemic. Since the flights are banned, tourists are not allow to visit our countries— hence, it affects our locale tourism. As well as those street vendors, who did not have a choice but to obey the protocols. Also the ones who work at office, some of them got laid off due to only limited staffs are allowed to stay. So how could these people able to feed their families if they have no work to cling onto?
This is where the initiative started. Ana Patricia Non is the filipina behind the first ever community pantry in the Philippines— Maginhawa community pantry. Her awareness about the lack of supplies others are might experiencing pushed her to continue this campaign. She passed through the not so busy street of Maginhawa (located in Quezon City, Philippines) and tried to find a spot where she could place a table, containing some packed goods and necessities for the people. Luckily, there were good-hearted people like her and granted her request. Everything was set up already, she started to stock up some bag of rice, milk, canned goods such as sardines, some shampoo and soap, face mask and vitamins.
Netizens were touched because of her generous act. After 24 hours, it became viral all over the internet— and fortunately, there were a lot of people who gave them support through giving inkind and cash donations. That helped for replenishing goods in the cart. Her initiative became a domino effect. Now, different areas in the Philippines have also started their own pantries along their communities.
The campaign's mantra speaks for itself. It clearly means, to get what you need and to give what you can. What a support system, indeed. I am proud to share it with the world— how Filipinos help each other in times like these. Undoubtedly, hardships reveal how heartful people can be. How I wish, we have a heart like Ana Patricia Non has. We do not need to be the richest people on Earth just to help. No matter how big or small, it is highly appreciated.
We are now facing a crisis that we have never imagined to face. Kudos to Miss Ana Patricia Non for being a role model of hope, courage and generosity. Imagine how peaceful our world can be if we associate ourselves with our community. Poverty exists, even before the pandemic. But the mere fact that it is harder to find living because of our current situation, problems (specifically, financial ) have worsen. May we never forget to extend our hands to the unfortunate ones— for the creator will pay you back a hundred folds.
As I share this through this platform, I hope a lot will be inspired. Let us continue giving, praying and hoping for better days.
To more write ups,
xx