Community pantries a sign of ‘desperation’ — Lacson

Ana Patricia Non refills the Maginhawa Community Pantry on Thursday, April 15, which she set up to help people badly affected by the pandemic who have difficulty finding food to serve on their tables. The pantry accepts donations from kindhearted individuals like canned goods, vegetables, vitamins, and face masks among others which are essential for sustenance. The pantry is open from 6 am to 6 pm. -INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday said the community pantries that popped up in some parts of Metro Manila may be considered a “sign of desperation.”

“It is good that through the community pantries, we see mutual aid by neighbors and barangay residents. But this is also a sign of desperation, that people can no longer rely on the government to help them,” Lacson said in an interview over DZBB radio.

He then reminded those involved in the community pantries to follow proper health protocols, to make sure they do not get infected with COVID-19.

In the past days, community pantries were set up in parts of Metro Manila, providing free basic needs including food, rice, and vegetables to those in need.

The initiative started in Maginhawa, Quezon City before spreading in several places in Metro Manila, reaching as far as Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya.

“When you realize you cannot rely solely on government, you band together to find ways to survive,” Lacson said.

Lacson then voiced concern that President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent claim that the government had no shortcomings in dealing with the pandemic may send the wrong signal to his subordinates.

He said Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. will not make adjustments in the way they do their jobs if Duterte keeps on defending them.

“If the President says they have no shortcomings and his subordinates believe it, they will not see the need to make adjustments,” said Lacson.

“But we all know the government has had many shortcomings, including the late purchase of vaccines and over-regulation of the private sector,” he added.

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