The Department of Health recommended Monday the issuance of health guidelines for community pantries, following the death of an elderly man while waiting for his turn to avail himself of free supplies from a pantry in Quezon City.
While there is no need for community pantry permits, local governments should at least set health guidelines, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire during the ANC’s Headstart interview.
“We need to look at the other side, that it also imposes a risk to our citizens because of these lack of standards that are being complied with when you have these community pantries,” Vergeire said.
“We all know that there is this pandemic and public health emergency. We have to be mindful of what can result from any activity or help that we are going to provide,” Vergeire said.
Community pantries have sprouted across the country earlier this month after Ana Patricia Non started the movement in Maginhawa, Quezon City.
The victim – diagnosed as having died of natural causes – was identified as Rolando dela Cruz, 67, who died in a long queue organized by an actress.
Vergeire said the DOH had no authority over the operations of community pantries and would not recommend the closure of these charity hubs.
“We are not going to restrict this kind of activity because it is a big help to our citizens but we have to be aware and we have to be cautious of the consequences of these actions,” Vergeire said.
“We’re just there to give standards for health but what we are saying is that although the intention of this is good, we still have to follow protocols” she said.
For ‘reference’
Meanwhile, community pantry organizers should not fear police officers asking for some information, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Monday.
“There is no reason for you not to give your name if policemen approach you,” Año told reporters in an interview.
At the same time, the DILG urged community pantry organizers to look for ways to reach senior citizens so that they would not have to go out and join the long lines.
Interviewed on Unang Hirit, DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said this could be done with the help of barangay officials.
He noted that under modified enhanced community quarantine — the protocol in place in NCR Plus until April 30 — senior citizens are not allowed to go out.
Año said it was just normal for policemen to get this information from the organizers as a reference in case an untoward incident happens during these activities.
This came in response to the remarks of some community pantry organizers who said they felt threatened when policemen went to get their contact numbers and affiliations.
Año, however, said there was a limit on the kind of information police officers must get from community pantry organizers.
“Name, contact number, and a little background are enough if this is an organization giving assistance to our fellowmen,” he said.
As this developed, Año said he has already ordered Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas to look into the death of dela Cruz, who lost consciousness while waiting in line at the community pantry in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City last week.
He added that the investigation would determine the possible liability of the actress and village officials over the incident.
Honor for Non
Quezon City Councilor Winston Castelo has filed a resolution to honor Ana Patricia Non, the original community pantry organizer in Metro Manila who got the limelight through the media.
He lauded and commended Non, a University of the Philippines graduate, “for her exemplary efforts in launching Maginhawa community pantry and inspiring the establishment of more community pantries across different barangay and cities nationwide.”
On April 14, Non, a resident of Quezon City, started a community pantry on Maginhawa Street, where passersby were allowed to take or drop off food items and other basic goods in a makeshift cart in front of a tree.
“Whereas, keeping in mind how others could not afford to stay home since their daily food depends on their livelihood, Ms. Non decided to put up the community pantry to help her neighborhood during this difficult time,” Castelo’s measure read.
“Whereas, through this initiative, people are reminded to observe minimum health protocols and follow a simple reminder,” the resolution said.