Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 29) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Wednesday laid out guidelines on holding community pantries, one of which prohibits putting up signs to endorse politicians.
“Hindi namin papayagan na magkakaroon ng epal o tinatawag nating maglalagay ng mga signage, billboards, posters, pictures, pangalan, initial or images ng mga tao na nagsasagawa ng community pantry, lalo na mga politicians na gusto pumapel dito sa community pantry,” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said during President Rodrigo Duterte’s weekly public briefing on the COVID-19 crisis.
[Translation: We will not allow “epal” or what we call the practice of displaying signages, billboards, posters, pictures, names, initials or images of people organizing the pantry, especially politicians who want to take advantage of these community pantries.]
Año also reiterated that permits are not required to set up pantries, but he stressed there must be coordination between organizers and the local government units so they remain compliant to city laws. Año said LGUs should determine the venues for the pantries to ensure they would reach communities in need.
“Dapat ang venue na ito doon mismo sa nangangailangan na lugar, purok, sitio, o barangay,” he said.
[Translation: The venue must be in the area where there are people in need, such as districts, sitios, or barangays]
The local government should also aid the pantries in getting local suppliers. It will also be responsible for assigning security personnel to maintain order in the pantry area as well as developing a system for the pantries to reach far-flung areas and people like senior citizens who are discouraged from leaving their homes.
Año reminded that distributing cigarettes, liquor and illegal items are prohibited.
The rights of everyone at the pantry must be respected, the secretary added.
Año said he was instructed by the President to come up with the guidelines as the popularity of the pantries may unintentionally cause a surge in COVID-19 infections. He mentioned the incident in Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City where thousands flocked to the pantry organized by actress Angel Locsin – eventually breaking distancing measures.
Hundreds of these community pantries have sprouted in the country since the first of its kind was put up on April 16 along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City. The pantries provide necessities to passersby for free – including food, toiletries, and medical supplies.
