Quezon City gov’t lays out guidelines for community pantries

To guarantee the implementation of minimum health protocols and maintenance of peace and order, Quezon City laid out guidelines for community pantries.

In a memorandum, Mayor Joy Belmonte said that while the city “wholeheartedly supports” the community pantries that are set up to help Filipinos who are most affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, organizers would still have to “comply with minimum health protocols, as well as ensure sanitation and orderliness in their surroundings.”

Belmonte clarified that setting up a community pantry does not require a permit or clearance, however, she is urging those who want to organize one to give a written notice to the barangay where the pantry is located.

“The notice should indicate a responsible person who shall be accountable for the pantry, and who is preferably a resident of the Barangay concerned,” the mayor said.

Pantry attendants and staff must have face masks and face shields, while patrons must wear face masks at least. One-meter distance in the line must also be maintained.

Patrons are not allowed to eat or drink in the vicinity of the community pantry and to touch or hold items on display.

The organizer and the barangay may also coordinate regarding crowd control measures. Pantries are only allowed to operate from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The organizers should also maintain cleanliness in their pantry’s vicinity and that they have to ensure that the food items they will give are fresh.

Moreover, community pantries are encouraged “to adopt a system to mitigate abuse or hoarding” of goods.

“For example, the pantries have the option to impose item limits per person or household; provide service only to bona fide local residents; use a points system, stubs or coupons to apportion goods; or limit the use of sacks or containers,” Belmonte said.

The memorandum was signed on Friday, April 23, the same day that a senior citizen passed out while waiting at a community pantry organized by actress Angel Locsin in Quezon City.

Reports said that the elderly man was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The actress has issued an apology to the elderly man’s relatives and said she will prioritize helping them.

The first community pantry opened in Maginhawa, Quezon City. It reminds people to “magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan (give what you can, take only what you need).” Food items in the pantry are for free.

Many communities got inspired by this and set up their own pantries. This initiative even went beyond the Philippines and reached Timor-Leste.