Community pantries in Bohol: Caring for others

At least 2,000 people queued at a community pantry at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol for Thursday's opening. The beneficiaries are hoping to get some foods and goods for their families.  Photos:  Leo Udtohan

Mercy Tapia had to endure the long que during Thursday's opening of the Bohol Community Pantry at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral in this city.

At least 2,000 beneficiaries hoped to get some foods and goods for their families.

Tapia, 42, a wife of a fisherman, said the inclement weather in the past days due to typhoon Bising left her and her family struggling for food. 

"Lisud jud kaayo rung panahuna kusog ang hangin mao wala nakapanagat," said Tapia, a mother of one.

When she heard that the church had a community pantry, she came early two hours before the scheduled opening at 1:30 p. m. 

However, it started late when some residents failed to follow protocols. Some volunteers had a hard time asking residents to observe social distancing. 

The crowd behaved when Bishop Abet Uy politely asked them to follow safety protocols. 

Bishop Abet Uy with Tagbilaran City's First Lady Jane Yap during the opening of Bohol Community Pantry at St. Joseph Cathedral. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 "Pero we are happy nakahimo ta sa atong adjustments with the help of our volunteers  nahan-ay ra ang mga tawo ming-behave rapud sila nga dili na magduol kaayo bitaw. Kay mao man atong worry nga pagpig-it tungod kay naa tay virus gilikayan," Bishop Uy said. 

The prelate said they hopefully can come up with a better plan or system that safety protocols would be observed. 

The Church’s pantry is providing free rice, eggs, instant noodles, vegetables, fruits and other basic necessities. There is also free porridge and pancakes from "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. 

The public could also donate goods or cash for the people who were in need.

Tapia was able to get rice, eggs, vegetables and fruits.  She also received free porridge and pancakes. 

"Dako jud kaayo ni natabang namo, salamat kaayo," said Tapia. 

Bishop Uy said community pantries not only provide the needs of our less-fortunate countrymen but it also unite people to share the love of G-d. 

He said pantries also build empathy by engaging meaningfully with others, being aware of other people's needs, and being kind to others and ourselves. 

"There will be a big impact not only  to the poor but also to the rich people who are given the opportunity to help and share the blessings they have. This is also an eye- opener that we need to help each other in order to survive the pandemic," he said. 

The "Gugma Tagbilaran Mobile Kusina," a project of Tagbilaran's First Lady Jane Yap. Photo: Leo Udtohan

 

Giving has surged during the coronavirus crisis.  In Bohol, several community pantries have sprouted in Tagbilaran, Alona Beach in Panglao, Jagna and Talibon towns. 

Businesswoman Meg Raynaldo, owner of the D'Box in Tagbilaran City, also set up her own Paw Pantry to give free food to cats and dogs. 

Charity is not limited to gifts of money. Sharing time, expertise, or even a kind smile are all forms of charity. Nothing in your pocket? Show some empathy. 

No matter how much you were blessed with, you can always share with others.

It makes sense: you take care of others, and G‑d takes care of you.

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