MANILA – The Department of Interior and Local Government warned organizers of community pantries to follow the coronavirus disease 2019 health protocols because failure to do so could lead to the closure of the pantry.
According to DILG secretary Eduardo Año, organizers should coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) to ensure that health and safety protocols are observed. The LGUs could also help them determine if where they should place the pantry.
“At pagbibigay rin ng security, peace at order kasi kapag dumagsa na ang mga beneficiaries, I don’t think kaya ng organizer na i-maintain ‘yung crowd,” Año told ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo on Tuesday.
DILG will also be issuing an advisory and memo to LGUs on the best way to handle community pantries initiated by the private sector and individuals.
“Maganda itong idea na ito na private individuals at private organizations ay tumutulong pero kailangan talaga team up tayo sa gobyerno pati na ‘yung local government,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Malacañang warned that a person found lining up in a community pantry during curfew hours will be apprehended.
“Hindi po pupuwedeng dahilan ‘yung pagpila sa pantry para magkaroon ng exemption sa curfew,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu./PN
