Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III on Monday called on organizers to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) when initiating civic activities such as pantries to prevent community transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Duque issued the appeal following the increasing number of organizers of makeshift community pantries.
“Mag-iingat po tayo at laging makipag-ugnayan sa pamahalaang lokal para sa anumang gagawing civic activities para magkaroon ng suporta at maging maayos sa pangangasiwa ng anumang (We should be careful always and coordinate with the local governments when doing whatever civic activities, to have support and to properly organize any) community action,” he said in an interview.
Duque said the government is not restricting anybody or groups from helping others, but he emphasized that coordination with the LGUs is necessary.
“The objective is good, maganda ‘yung layunin para makatulong pero dapat may coordination pa rin sa mga pamahalaang lokal (the intention to help is good, but there should be coordination with the local governments),” Duque noted.
Coordination will ensure that the minimum health protocols, such as wearing of masks and face shields, as well as social distancing, are being followed during such activities.
“Lahat ng mga ito ay dapat disiplinadong tumutugon sa ating panuntunan ng kalusugan (All of these must strictly adhere to our policies on health),” Duque said. “We should calibrate our pandemic response.”
Duque said the country cannot afford to let its guard down on health protocols and community quarantine guidelines.
Bound by laws
Meanwhile, local chief executives in the National Capital Region (NCR) said in recent interviews and statements that they support community pantries subject to health protocols.
Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita Abalos said putting up a community pantry is “a laudable socio-civic initiative that must be encouraged”.
However, she noted that pantries are not exempted from laws and ordinances.
“No matter how noble the cause, everything should be conducted within the bounds of the laws,” Abalos said. “We encourage organizers of community pantries in the city to coordinate with their respective barangays.”
She said they will also help organizers choose the best location where most people would benefit and where there would be no obstruction.
“Our barangays could also help in terms of enforcement of minimum health and safety protocols,” she added.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay reminded her constituents who will set up community pantries to make sure they will not occupy roads and sidewalks.
“Hindi kailangan ng permit mula sa city government at barangay para sa community pantry. Makipag-koordinasyon sa inyong barangay para masiguro na nasusunod ang minimum health protocols (A permit from the city government and barangay is not required for the community pantry. Coordinate with your barangay to ensure that minimum health protocols are being followed),” she said.
LGU assistance
Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte urged organizers to coordinate with village officials.
Belmonte said the city’s Task Force Disiplina will help maintain peace and order.
Pasay City Mayor Emi-Calixto Rubiano praised the brains behind the initiative.
“Ang bayanihan at pagtulong sa kapwa ay isa sa mga mabubuting ugali na likas sa ating mga Pilipino kaya nakakatuwa na muli natin itong binubuhay sa panahong ito sa pamamagitan ng mga community pantry, upang sama-sama natin labanan at talunin ang pandemya (Bayanihan and helping others are virtues naturally inherent on Filipinos, so I am happy that through community pantries, we can fight and defeat the pandemic),” Rubiano said in a Viber message.
She said that aside from observing basic health protocols, organizers must coordinate with the village officials.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto also said setting up community pantries is “very much welcome” and commended “individuals who are helping as they can afford”.
“Government has limited resources, so any effort to help others is very welcome,” he said in previous interviews.
In Caloocan, Mayor Oscar Malapitan said helping others and showcasing the spirit of “bayanihan” will not require a clearance.
“Pasasalamat at suporta ang dapat natin ibigay sa mga nasa likod ng community pantries sa lungsod. Kung kailangan ng assistance para mapanatili ang social distancing, maaaring ipagbigay-alam sa ating barangay para matulungan, ngunit hindi kailangan ng permit (We should thank and support people behind the community pantries in our city. If they need assistance to maintain social distancing, let our respective barangay officials help, but it does not require a permit),” Malapitan said.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso cited that “love and concern” must prevail and inspire others to serve.
He thanked those who are making efforts to help others amid the pandemic and reminded the public that the community pantry should be equally accessible to everyone.
“Alam ko pong marami sa atin ang nahihirapan na rin, ngunit isa-isip din po, sa bawat pagkuha natin sa community pantry na ito ay maaaring mayroon pang mas nangangailangan na kukuha rin. Kumuha lamang po base sa pangangailangan. Iwasan po natin ang maging gahaman lalo na sa panahong ito (I know many of us are having a hard time, but keep in mind, every time we take items from a community pantry, there may be others who need more. Don’t be greedy),” Domagoso said.
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, meanwhile, welcomed the opening of community pantries in his city.
“It’s always nice to see people with more blessings sharing to those who are less fortunate. This is the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino people at work,” he said.
Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco thanked his constituents for setting up community pantries.
“Sa panahon ng kahirapan, lahat po ng tulong ay welcome na welcome (In times of difficulty, all help are most welcome),” Tiangco said, noting that permit is not needed.
In Valenzuela City, Mayor Rex Gatchalian said community pantries are allowed to operate even without permits as long as health protocols are followed.
“Community pantries are allowed in Valenzuela City. No need for special permits. Just make sure minimum health standards and social distancing will be observed at all times. Also, no minors and not within curfew hours. Just set it up. If somebody gives you trouble, let me know. Ako bahala sa kanila (I’ll take care of them),” Gatchalian said in a social media post.
Photo Source: Facebook/National Irrigation Administration Region III