Teachers from Caloocan City, Valenzuela City and Malabon City who are members of the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) set-up their own version of community pantry in the vicinity of TDC’s national office today, April 26.
This is the first among the group’s localized solidarity operations aimed to raise assistance from their members and supporters and the general public and provide those to the families affected by COVID-19 pandemic. In line with the Bayanihang Guro, TDC’s program for the relief effort, the initiative this time will give emphasis to the noble concept of Community Pantry.
The Bayanihang Guro Community Pantry will adopt the Maginhawa Community Pantry slogan “Magbigay ayon sa Kakayahan, Kumuha Batay sa Pangangailangan” in recognition of the efforts of the initiators of the said phenomenon. While this is situated in the boundary of Caloocan City and Valenzuela City, the TDC enjoined its members to duplicate the same in their localities.
Like the other pantries, the Bayanihang Guro Community Pantry will accept contributions not just from teachers but from the people of the neighborhood and all other interested donors. The organizers pledged to continue the program while the donations are sustained.
Taking the lessons from earlier community pantries, the group secured the support of the Barangay Captain of Bgy. 162, Dr. Ronald Nagusara who offered tents, chairs and tables and deployed personnel to maintain order. The pantry will only be serving the community from 8:00 to 10:00AM to avoid queuing under the heat of the sun. Likewise, senior citizens are discourage to participate.
Since this is a local event, Jaime Albiza of Tala ES, Efren Soriano of Punturin ES and Marcelina Dumaguing of Potrero ES, the respective chairpersons of TDC chapters in Caloocan, Valenzuela and Malabon are in-charge of the program. Almost the entire initial contributions are coming from these chapters.
For those interested, you may communicate with Ms. Ilyn Nabong and Ms. Luningning Dungao of Sta. Quiteria Elementary School, the contact persons at 0935-1333885. Donations in-kind, particularly fresh vegetables and fruits, rice, spices and other goods are encouraged. However, those who are willing to offer cash may send it to G-Cash number, 0939-3940141 owned by Marcelina Dumaguing of Potrero Elementary School, the designated Treasurer for this project.
