By Uy, Charissa
(Photo from the "Washington Post" by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Indeed, kindness is contagious. When we thought there is no hope, kindness sprouts in unexpected instances and places just like how community pantries have. From the streets of Maginhawa, Teacher’s Village in Quezon City, sprouted an act beyond charity that has awaken the country this past weeks. The community pantry embodied the Filipino custom of bayanihan.
What does community pantry mean, exactly? It is a place of food or supply storage for the community by the community. Meaning all the goods that are available there are also coming from the people living in the community. This is what we call bayanihan, the core essence of Filipino culture. Citizens are working together as a community to supply food for other members of the community to fill up their stomach in this pandemic crisis.
It all started with a bamboo cart initiated by Ana Patricia Non.
The slogan poster goes “ Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.” Since then, communities around the metro have been inspired by this gesture of kindness and volunteerism that even reached here in Cavite and all across the country. Maybe, there is one located near your community! Looking at how contagious the idea of community pantry having it trend not only respective communities but it has even been the talk of the nation. There were issues affiliated as well, like red-tagging, permits, and indicating lack of the government in this pandemic fight. However, when the spirit of volunteerism and bayanihan ignites, criticisms melts afterwards. Especially when the community is engaged in the effort to extend help. It is literally, “From the masses for the masses.” The sovereignty lies in the mass, in the community.
People wants to do better or yet the best in this worst times, and that is extending help to one another. There will always be criticisms and not everything can please everyone. Rather than dwelling on such issues, might as well come together, support and cooperate for one another. Non even stated that she does not cancel those who are criticizing instead, they are even more welcome to each community pantry.
“ Tutuloy po namin kasi mas marami ang nangangailangan kaysa nagbabatikos." She also emphasized in her recent presscon that community pantry begun with a pure intention which is to help those who are in need and not to credit some propaganda. For the very reason that, there are many who are in need than those who find faults.
Community pantry has inspired us to look for each other in this pandemic time. Therefore, do not be afraid but continue to help your community. Community pantries have been set up in Dasmarinas, Imus, and Bacoor respectively. If there is none yet in your area, set one up, so you can have a first-hand experience of what it is like to extend service to others. Of course, follow pandemic protocols. Take note: If ever you would encounter criticizers, just kill them with kindness.
Sources:
https://everything-filipino.com/filipino-culture-bayanihan-the-filipino-value-that-must-be-retained/
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