Community Pantries Return Amid Fuel Hikes

As fuel prices surge, community pantries are once again stepping in to support struggling sectors, particularly transport workers.

Led by Ana Patricia Non, the initiative has been revived to provide immediate relief to drivers and operators hit hard by rising fuel costs.

“I can’t stand it that there are people, that there is a sector that is super affected, they are having a hard time so they are forced to stop their operations,” Non said.

“What’s the point in continuing their operations if they are not earning anymore, and they are even in debt,” she added.

Volunteers quickly mobilized to reopen pantries in different communities, with Non noting the strong support behind the effort.

“I just texted the team that I will put up a pantry and the night before, we were ready. It wasn’t complicated, there was no overthinking. It was just fast because many people said that they were also ready,” she said.

“It’s better that people are getting from the pantry. As much as we can provide, let’s give.”

Non also emphasized that the initiative goes beyond relief, serving as a call for stronger government action.

“I hope that the government will be more grounded. There are a lot of policies on prices in goods and basic commodities without considering how ordinary people would be affected,” she said.

“For us, to demand accountability and responsibility to the government can go hand in hand with helping others because we want to empower each other.”