DILI, June 11, 2021(TATOLI)– The Embassy of the Philippines in Dili has opened the Community pantry for locals people and Filipino residing in Dili in the context of the celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.
The Consul and Third Secretary Atty. Laser Blitz B. Sumagsey said the purpose of this Community Pantry was to commemorate the 123rd Independence Day of the Philippines on June 12, 1898.
“Therefore to fill this day, the Embassy opened a Community Pantry to redistribute food donated by church institutions, NGOs, and individuals at the Philippines Embassy back to people in need to be consumed in one day only,” Mr. Sumagsey said.
According to Mr. Sumagsey Community Pantry inspired by the Filipino Bayanihan Spirit with the philosophy ” Please give what you can and please take what you only need for a day”
“Therefore, it should not be seen from the number of goods, but we must look at the concept of the Community Pantry itself. A Community Pantry is a service that provides food directly to locals suffering from food insecurity. Some rely purely on local donations. some coordinates with food banks and organizations for steady supplies of food and essential goods. Some also organize other socio-civic activities for the patron,” said Sumagaysay said.
At the same time Sumagaysey expressing his sense of pleasure by hoping that the concept can be a reference for all Timorese to share what they have.
“I am very happy because the community around the Philippines Embassy is enthusiastic to receive goods at the Community Pantry, I hope that the concept that we did in Timor-Leste can be a reference for all East Timorese people to share what they have,” He said.
Sumagaysey thanked all entities who have donated their food to the Philippine Embassy to be distributed back to the community at this time.
It is nearly 300 people join the Community pantry to receive the food provided by the Philippines Embassy.
The items including rice, eggs, noodles, milk, vegetable, and taro.
Roberto de Andrade’s local community said he is grateful for the help although it is small it is very meaningful.
” We are very grateful for this even though it is small but very meaningful because we can consume it in one or two days and we hope that this will continue to be implemented in the future,” he said.
Journalist: Camilo de Sousa
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
