The viral Maginhawa Community Pantry reopened on Wednesday morning after a one-day timeout following the red-tagging of its organizer Ana Patricia Non.
To protect both volunteers and those looking to get supplies, Non closed the pantry for a day after having faced security and safety concerns. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reassured residents that the city is a safe space for such community efforts and expressed support for the initiative.
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A member from the city's Task Force Disiplina was present to remind the public to wear their masks and face shields as they observe physical distancing while they donate what they can or get what they need.
What started out as a bamboo cart of rice and other essentials has grown several tables wide filled with hundreds of canned goods, instant noodles, bread, and more. Similar pantries have sprouted nationwide in less than a week, with more popping up.
