Community 'PAWntry' put up in Quezon City for drivers' pets

Community pantries have been popping up around the Philippines to help drivers and riders affected by the oil price hikes. What's more, even their fur babies are getting much-needed aid.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras Weekend," the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) gave out food for cats and dogs in a community "PAWntry" in Quezon City.

"Ang naisip namin, kahit na magdala lang kami ng something to augment, malaking tulong na rin dahil ibig sabihin, they don't have to parang divide their own supply para lang mabigyan 'yung alaga," Atty. Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of PAWS said.

Ana Patricia "Patreng" Non, the community pantry organizer during the pandemic, encouraged everyone to contribute what they can.

"Hindi natin kailangan maghintay na mas ka lunos lunos na experience or may pandemic," she said.

"Kung meron tayong capability, kung meron tayong extra, meron tayong kakayahan, kung kaya natin i-extend sa ibang tao, extend na natin," she added.

Patreng first organized the Maginhawa community pantry in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdowns and quickly inspired others to do the same. She has since been awarded for her outreach.

Meanwhile, the Middle East conflict between US-Israel and Iran has not yet ended, driving oil prices skyrocketing worldwide.

Various transport groups across the country have been holding transport holidays and strikes as drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) struggle to operate amid the rising prices of petroleum products. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA Integrated News