Amid the growing popularity of holding community pantries in this pandemic times, there is a also a growing need to push for the safety nets of doing them.
Consider this one from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
The DILG is thinking of linking the pantry movements to the economic sector of the local communities in a manner that will benefit the latter while providing the needs of the people.
The idea is to connect community pantry organizers to local businesses for the supply of food and basic goods. By doing so, the pantry organizers also help the local economy recover from the impact of the pandemic. With this mechanism of ensuring the supply chain stays local, the community cooperation benefits everyone.
The next step would be to ensure that the health protocols are strictly followed. Pantries, by nature of being acts of charity, are not required to pay fees or secure permits. But they must follow the enforced restrictions and regulations. Rules are rules and it should not bend just because people need food. We still have to think of everyone’s welfare as being reckless could mean disastrous results.
Another thing to keep in mind that these pantries could be used for political ends. With the elections ‘just around the corner’, putting of signs, posters, billboards, or streamers indicating the names, images, initials, and projects of politicians who are out to gain popularity mileage in community pantries should be avoided.
These community pantries, as the government would say, is a representation of “the best in the Filipino character.” But it could also be ruined by the sleight of political hands.
