The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Cordillera has issued guidelines to local government units in the region on how to operate and deal with community pantries.
DILG OIC Director Araceli San Jose said community pantry operations should adhere to strict guidelines to avoid any mishaps that could endanger not only those seeking assistance, but also those who run and maintain them.
She said LGUs shall provide assistance, which may take the form of providing a venue where the pantry can be established and operated; providing links between local producers and the pantry in case donors want to source their goods from local producers; providing security to maintain peace and order in venues where pantries are located; and assisting in allowing the pantry to reach recipients who would not otherwise be physically able to travel to the location.
San Jose said LGUs should not impose any exaction or fee on community pantry operators as a result of their operation or for the assistance the LGU is providing to them.
LGU officials, personnel, or those associated with the same should not place signage, billboards, posters, names, initials, and/or images of any government official in community pantry operations and in the goods donated.
“Our LGUs should not discourage the operation of community pantries, but rather support, promote, and ensure that in interactions with community pantry operators, donors, and those receiving or intending to receive aid from the same, their rights are respected and protected,” San Jose said.
Privately operated community pantries should not be subject to the requirements of LGU permits, but these should be properly coordinated with them in terms of area of operations and venue of the pantries, taking into account, among other things, compliance with the government’s road clearing directives. – Press release
