Community pantry in QC offers free condoms

This community pantry on Matatag St. in Quezon City is quite unique.

Apart from basic foods, it also offers condoms, free HIV testing, and assistance to survivors of domestic violence.

Kjerrimyr Andres, one of the volunteers in the pantry, justified the inclusion of these assistance due to the country’s continued struggle against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“While the lockdown continues, more women and members of the LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender+ community) are becoming victims of domestic violence,” said Andres.

"As much as the government has failed in providing immediate socio-economic and medical needs...the government has also failed in supporting other needs of vulnerable sectors,” added Andres.

He said the pantry in Barangay Central, led by Marc Batac, expanded "to include the needs of different marginalized sectors, united in seeking immediate relief and holding the incapable government accountable."

Andres also said they included condoms as "there are higher chances of pregnancies" as many people are staying at home due to lockdown. "So it can help in family planning," he said in Filipino.

ANTI-LIFE CULTURE

A Catholic priest, however, criticized the inclusion of condoms in that community pantry, saying it is "ironic and insensitive."

"If true, I find it ironic and insensitive," Father Melvin Castro, Pro-Life Philippines spiritual director, said in an interview Tuesday.

"While our people barely survive, some would still instill anti-life culture," he added.

The priest from the Diocese of Tarlac said this is the time that people should value and appreciate life.

"Condoms might not be abortifacient but it still inculcates views and attitudes devoid of the values of life and self-sacrifice," said Castro.

For his part, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco opted to just pray for the people behind it.

"Well we cannot force our beliefs on people. We do not condemn people who are offering or distributing condoms. We pray for them," he said.

Community pantries allow people to donate for those in need who can choose what items such as food and other essential goods that they want to take home.