EDITORIAL - Appreciating it for what it is

In this time of a global pandemic when all news seems to be bad or even worse news, it’s worth it to share whatever little good news would come to light.

This time the good news is a growing movement by Filipinos to take care of their fellow Filipinos called the community pantry.

The first community pantry appeared in Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. It was a mere table where people could leave food, vegetables, fruits, and other dried goods for those who needed them. For free, no money needed.

The general guideline in using the pantry is “magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan” which roughly translates to “give what you can, take only as you need”.

It has his spawned similar projects in countless places.

It is nice to know that there are still some Filipinos who still observe the Bayanihan spirit, the act of helping one’s community usually without the expectation of a reward, something that has been sorely lacking recently.

But because this is the Philippines, nothing really stays as is. There are those who immediately want to give it political color. They will say that these pantries are a statement that the government is not giving enough to the people, or not meeting their needs. They will say that it is actually a form of protest against the current administration’s ineptitude in handling this pandemic crisis.

On the other side of the fence, there will be those who will see these acts of generosity as a deliberate attempt to make the present administration look bad. They will say these acts actually have the objective to destabilize the government.

We are sure this is not the case in many of these community pantries. And even if some people do hold these views, we doubt it will stop them from taking part, whether in the giving or the taking. Hunger does not choose people based on their political beliefs. A rumbling, empty belly will set aside politics.

For now, let’s appreciate it for what it is; a wonderful gesture of Filipinos helping fellow Filipinos who have less or are in dire need.

In fact, some of us can do one better and establish their own community pantries where these are needed most.