community spirit in food pantries

As many as one in five people are food deprived, especially in major urban centers where growing our own food is not an easy option. While the pandemic has highlighted and further exacerbated inequalities in our society, it has also brought forth more heroes and helpers in local neighborhoods. 

local community pantries nationwide

This week in Philippines news a wave of community pantries have sprouted in the wake of the media buzz generated by the Maginhawa Community Pantry set up by Ana Patricia "Patreng" Non. 

A hand painted sign, ”magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan” on a bamboo cart stated it simply - give what you can, take what you need. Filled with free food - vegetables, rice, canned goods, and basic supplies - it was soul food for us all.

Remember Tatay Elmer - jailed by the Duterte government for vagrancy

Little did anyone realize then that this message would ring loud and proud across the country and around the world. This small gesture has given us the much needed support and longed for hope we lacked the whole past year of lockdown.

ARMK community call for support

Sharing what we are able and making a much needed difference for those in dire need. Showing the inept leadership of our country how it can be done. Grass roots disaster management - what Duterte's government COULD HAVE BEEN DOING all this past year! BUT DID NOT.

LGBTQ+ inclusivity & humor in their signage

Instead our petulant president presided peevishly on the air and online with his usual dramatics no one pays mind to anymore. Petty wanna bes and VIPs throwing their weight around to gain favors and fast tracked access with no care or concern for our front liners they put at risk. In aggravation and shame yet another dose of dolomite has been uselessly dumped on a beach that we know will wash out in the next hard rain.

Duterte government bullying tactics

As our country's government officials flail away in ever increasing and escalating failed fiascos, we the people are sick and tired of their attacks and antics. Embarrassed by yet another public disgrace they lash out at the kind folks who work because they do not.

Duterte government failing highly publicized

Accusing them of communist tactics in blatantly publicized red-tagging instead of extending sustained support. Borrowing trillions in foreign aid and squirreling this away in their personal not-so-secret accounts. Instead of taking care of business it's business as usual in their warped world of deluded denial.

A growing number of concerned citizens are finally raising their concerns and demanding that the non-working delinquent Duterte resign. In their own practical way, the people have found a passive aggressive form of protest that works so exactly.

community call to let Leni lead & have Duterte step down

We will not have a government that is unable or unwilling to use the vast resources of the state to make sure that no one in our neighborhoods and communities go to bed hungry.

We will not accept a government whose immediate reaction to a proliferation of community pantries is to red-tag instead of to take responsibility and step up.

Duterte - deluded & in perpetual denial

Bumbling politicos and predators be warned!

NOTE:

Here are some helpful basics for do gooders among you who want to start your own community panty - may your tribe thrive!