Image: Facebook/@AngelLocsin
MANILA, Philippines — Actress Angel Locsin will set up a community pantry on Friday to mark her birth anniversary an commend the work of hundreds of community pantry organizers nationwide.
“Bilang pagpupugay sa bayanihan ng mga Pilipino at sa mga nagtayo ng mga community pantries sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa natin (In recognition of the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino and those who organized and set up community pantries nationwide), I decided to celebrate my birthday tomorrow by putting up a community pantry here,” Angel said.
Angel’s community pantry would be located at the Titanium Commercial Building, 36 Holy Spirit Drive, corner Don Matias St. in Don Antonio Heights, Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City.
The pantry would be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or until supplies last, the actress said.
Angel said that everyone is welcome, but reminded people to observe health protocols to avoid COVID-19 transmissions.
She also assured the public that volunteers have been tested for COVID-19.
“Anyone is welcome. But please make sure to follow protocols Salamat po!
The community pantry was an initiative that sprouted during the strict lockdowns where people are encouraged to get food items that they would need throughout the day — which were sourced from donations within the community.
The project gained national attention after it went viral on social media, as it gave struggling Filipinos another option aside from the government-funded aid — which some people deemed insufficient.
READ: ‘Giving and taking in time of crisis:’ Community pantries sprout in NCR
The community pantry concept, however, also became controversial after some organizers claimed that they were “red-tagged,” while a government official said organizers need to secure a permit.
READ: Permit needed for community pantries to ensure safety, security — DILG exec
READ: No permit needed for community pantries to operate — ARTA
READ: Netizens call out cops for ‘profiling’ community pantry organizers