Eastern Police District sets up own community pantry

MANILA, Philippines — Inspired by the Maginhawa community pantry in Quezon City, the Eastern Police District (EPD) set up its own pantry where food, other basic goods and Bibles were offered for free to those severely affected by the recent lockdowns amid the pandemic.

In a Facebook post Monday, the EPD said it set up its own community pantry, dubbed as “EPD PaMaMariSan Pantry,” in front of its headquarters along Caruncho Avenue in Pasig City.

Two cardboard signs were plastered next to the pantry with the reminder: “Magbigay ng naaayon sa kakayahan. Dumampot ayon sa inyong pangangailangan.”

(Give what you can. Pick up only what you need.)

“The pantry contains rice, canned goods, instant noodles, face masks, face shields, Bible, PNP Journal Magazine among others. Said items were offered free to the residents who were severely affected by the recent lockdowns,” the EPD said.

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“The EPD PaMaMariSan Pantry was inspired by the Maginhawa community pantry in Quezon City where people can donate and get items based on their needs,” it added.

As the country continues to reel from the effects of the  COVID-19 pandemic, community pantries have been sprouting in different parts of the country.

These street pantries began popping up in various neighborhoods after a small business owner in Quezon City set up the Maginhawa community pantry, a bamboo cart containing donated food and other essential goods.

Lawmakers have lauded the Bayanihan spirit of Filipinos but said the emergence of community pantries reflect the lack of adequate aid from the government.

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