“Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.”
This has been the slogan of the famous community pantry that relives the Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos. Starting along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City last April 2021, it spreads throughout barangays and communities hoping to aid empty stomachs brought by the pandemic.
The concept of a community pantry is simple; anyone can donate any food they have- canned goods, noodles, vegetables, fruits, or rice placed in a ‘pantry’ area, and whoever needs something may get what they need in the pantry area, for free. Indeed, the epitome of the Bayanihan.
Bayanihan, in Filipinos’ dictionary, means helping others without expecting anything in return. From the root word “Bayani” or hero, Bayanihan means “being a hero.” Being a hero is limited to fighting and dying for one’s country. It could also mean living to lend a helping hand to your people. Sharing a little of what you have will not hurt compared to the 2.5 million hungry Filipinos, according to the latest survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) last December 2021. And asking for what you only need shows one cares for those in need.
"Sana po hindi tayo magsawang tumulong sa kapwa natin, lalo na kung may extra tayo. Lawakan po ang pag-intindi, buksan ang puso at isipan dahil iba-iba ang struggle ng mga tao. Buksan ang isipan natin sa kalagayan ng kapwa at ng bansa natin,” said Patricia Non who initiated the community pantry in an interview with CNN Philippines.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Written by: Kharen Mamplata
Layout and Design by: Gerald Reyes
SOURCES:
Comments