DILG to community pantry organizers: Find ways to reach seniors in their homes

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday urged community pantry organizers to look for ways to reach senior citizens so that they would not have to go out and join the long lines.

Interviewed on Unang Hirit, DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said this could be done with the help of barangay officials. He noted that under modified enhanced community quarantine -- the protocol in place in NCR Plus until April 30 -- senior citizens are not allowed to go out.

"Nakikiusap kami sa mga community pantry organizers na maghanap po tayo ng paraan para hindi na po natin kailangan papilahin yung matatanda, maghanap po tayo ng paraan gaya ng ipadaan na lang sa barangay para yung barangay na lang ang magbahay-bahay at ibigay na lang yung tulong through a safer and more effective way," Malaya said.

[We are appealing to community pantry organizers to look for ways to reach senior citizens so that they will not have to go out. Perhaps they can course the aid to barangay officials.]

Malaya issued the appeal days after a senior citizen who queued at the community pantry in Quezon City organized by actress Angel Locsin died after passing out

Locsin apologized for the incident and the chaos at the pantry, adding she would close it and donate the remaining goods to similar efforts.

Malaya said DILG Secretary Eduardo Año has issued two guidelines for organizers to follow: one is to coordinate with barangay officials and another is to ensure that those who will fall in line are residents of the community where the pantry is located.

"Kung tayo ay mag-iimbita o manghihikayat ng mga tagalabas ng inyong bayan... magkakaroon tayo ng problema niyan [If you will invite those from other towns then we'll have a problem]," he said.

"Mas maganda na ilimita natin sa ating mga kapitbahay, mga kasama sa kalsada at sa komunidad lang [It's better if we'd limit the operations to our neighbors and community]," Malaya added.

Malaya stressed that the DILG recognizes community pantries as "private voluntary initiatives."  —KBK, GMA News