In Maginhawa, Quezon City, a community pantry for 'driver, rider, tsuper' stands

Ana Patricia Non is back at it, organizing a community pantry, this time for drivers and riders affected by the extreme oil price hikes.

On social media Thursday, Patreng as she is known posted a photo of a humble shelf of vegetables with carton signs signaling it was a community pantry for "drivers, riders, and tsupers." 

"Laban ng Drayer, Laban ng Komyuter," read another sign.

At the foot of the shelf was another carton that expressed the pantry's rules: "Magbigay anon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan."

The pantry stands at the corner of Maginhawa nad Magiting Streets in UP Teachers Village.

"Habana nagtataas po ang presto ng gas at tuloy-tuloy po ang transport strikes, dating gawi po tayo para suportahan naman ang mga drivers," Patreng wrote in the caption.

"Pwedeng pwede po kayo mag-iwan ng mga goods or ano mang support sa drivers," she added as she encouraged her followers to put up their own community pantries or kitchens.

"Sa mga drayber, tusper at riders, paisa niyo po kami," she said.  

According to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras" Thursday, some people have already donated rice, vegetables, fruits, and eggs to the community pantry, which is near a tricycle terminal. 

“Pwede po tayong magtulungan sa isa’t-isa, sa mga maliliit na bagay. So kung may mga extra po tayo at least may mga gantong initiative,” said Krishna, who is among those who donated. 

Some also left small amounts of money at the pantry. But while the intention behind this is good, it is recommended to donate food instead, as money is difficult to safeguard in public. 

Per Salazar's report, those who wish to donate cash may do so directly to the organizers instead of leaving it at the pantry. 

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

Meanwhile the Middle East conflict between US and Israel vs. Iran has not yet up, 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.

— LA/CDC, GMA Integrated News