Manila resident sets up P. Noval Community Pantry

As more Filipinos go hungry amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a Manila resident set up a table along P. Noval Street near the University of Santo Tomas (UST) where those in need can get free grocery items.

The table, dubbed as “P. Noval Community Pantry,” is packed with vegetables, rice, canned goods, and packs of instant noodles.

“Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan (Give what you can, get what you need),” a sign displayed on the table read.

Toots Vergara, one of the managers of Mang Tootz Food House, said he was inspired by the community pantry along Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.

“Huwag mahiyang kumuha, nandoon lang po iyon (Do not be shy to get what you need. It’s just there),” he said in his Facebook post.

Vergara encouraged those living nearby to drop off their spare grocery items so they can help others. The table is open to receive donations everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

He hopes more people will be inspired to set up community pantries in their neighborhood to help others amid the pandemic.

“Kung sakaling malayo ka naman, pwede ka magsimula ng community pantry sa inyong lugar, tulad nung ginawa namin kasi ginaya lang namin ‘yung Maginhawa (If you live far, you can start a community pantry in your area just like what we did. We were inspired by what they did in Maginhawa and we just copied it),” he added.