In a virtual briefing on Saturday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said local governments play a key role in making sure health protocols such as the wearing of face mask and face shield, and physical distancing are observed in community pantries.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 24) — Organizers and village officials can carry out “reasonable” crowd control measures and law enforcers can only intervene if health protocols are violated, according to community pantry guidelines issued by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Saturday.
“Ang kailangan nating ngayon na ipakita sa mga kababayan ang importansiya ng minimum health standards at ibang protocols na pinapatupad,” she said.
“Also, we’re on MECQ so sana walang mga matatandang lumalabas muna,” she added.
[Translation: What we need now is to show the people the importance of minimum health standards and other protocols that are being implemented. Also, we’re on MECQ so hopefully the elderly should not go out.]
The greater Manila area, as well as the provinces of Quirino and Abra, and Santiago City in Isabela are under MECQ until April 30.
Belmonte said she “strongly” urged community pantry organizers to send written notice to barangay officials where they intend to set up stalls with free food items, drinks, and medical supplies mindful of possible overcrowding.
Sought for the department’s comment on the “death by community pantry” statement of COVID-19 response adviser and Health Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa Jr., Vergeire said: “Let’s show the benefits of what the community pantry can do to our citizens.”
On Friday, an elderly man fainted in line at a crowded community pantry in Barangay Holy Spirit organized by actress Angel Locsin. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Locsin apologized for what happened and vowed to help the family of the 67-year-old man.
Belmonte reiterated a community pantry does not need permit to operate.
“The notice should indicate a responsible person who shall be accountable for the pantry, and who is preferably a resident of the barangay concerned,” she said.
Community pantries may also operate from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. subject to change, and organizers should enforce a “no mask, no service” policy, and one-meter physical distancing in the line, the mayor said. Metro Manila mayors earlier imposed a unified curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. when the region shifted to modified enhanced community on April 12.
Pantry staff should wear face mask and face shield, Belmonte said, adding donors of food and other necessities must at least wear face masks.
She said law enforcers should “refrain” from intervening unless there is a breach of health and safety protocols. The first community pantry along Maginhawa Street in Diliman, Quezon City briefly closed early this week because lead organizer Ana Patricia Non said some police officers asked her affiliation.
Other rules
Pantry operators are responsible for making sure food is safe, Belmonte said.
“Food must be fresh or not expired, and no adulterated, spoiled, or unsanitary foods shall be distributed,” she said.
Belmonte also encouraged organizers to prevent hoarding in light of reports that some people are “exploiting” these pantries.
