Support Community Pantries in the Philippines
Get what you need, give what you can
Kumuha ng ayon sa pangangailangan. Magbigay batay sa kakayahan
The Philippines is currently under the world's longest lockdowns and has been since March of 2020. This prolonged lockdown exacerbated by closure of businesses and the lack of meaningful government support has caused many daily wage workers and families to lose their livelihoods. Most of these families are left with little to no economic options or alternatives to survive.
As of February 2021, over four million Filipinos are considered unemployed due to indefinite lockdowns.
The first Community Pantry set up by Ana Patricia Non on April 14, 2021 along Maginhawa Street Quezon City. Photo Credit: Facebook
Stirred by compassion for her fellow Filipinos, a young furniture designer named Ana Patricia Non initiated the first community pantry in Maginhawa, Quezon City. The pantry operates on an honesty basis by accepting and giving out in-kind donations in the form of grocery items in a bamboo cart outside her home. The principle upon which the community pantries are anchored on is: Get what you need, give what you can (Kumuha ng ayon sa pangangailangan. Magbigay batay sa kakayahan)
Filipinos were inspired and quick to pick up what Ana Patricia started - the small cart in the middle of Maginhawa street became a massive movement that was replicated even outside of the country. As of 3 May, there are over 1,053 recorded Community Pantries nationwide run and sustained by local volunteers, donors, and civic organizations with the sole purpose to provide struggling Filipino families with their daily needs.
Residents of Malingap, Quezon City line up with eco bags to receive their ration of rice and root crops from the community pantry
Boldr is proud to be part of this growing Philippine community. After witnessing several Boldr team members support these Community Pantries, we realized that we need to raise the collective awareness of such grass-roots initiatives. These initiatives, while humble in origins, have had a profound impact in the Philippines as it provides immediate relief to communities and families struggling to meet their daily needs.
With the operational help of Boldr's Chief Operating Officer, Mari Parker, we will channel all financial contributions made from donors to the Community Pantries in the Philippines that need the most support.
Boldr will share an Impact Report that details how the proceeds from this fund-raising initiative were distributed. Any contributor will receive an update within 2 weeks of the funds being distributed.
