EDITORIAL - Let this not be just a fad

Ever since the first community pantry that was established as a result of the lockdowns here opened in Quezon City, there have been similar initiatives put up around the country.

Despite the challenges, hardships, and the red-tagging by a misguided and overfunded government agency, people are still pushing forward with their plans to have their own community pantry.

The outpouring of support for such initiatives has been nothing short of touching. Who knew Filipinos could be this generous even in this time of extreme difficulty? Who knew some people whom we saw as needy had so much to give? Who knew that even those who are struggling are still willing to part with what they have to give to others?

It is a shining example of the Bayanihan spirit in action.

Now we hope this spirit of selfless giving, of making sure people get what they need comes out whenever people need it the most. We are talking about those chaotic periods following calamities, disasters, or other misfortunes, both natural and man-made.

Because the sad thing is that people have the tendency to follow what others are doing at the moment, whether it is the latest trend, some dance, or some silly “challenge”. And right now, it just happens to be very “in” to set up a community pantry and be seen doing it.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with telling people what you have been doing. In fact, getting the word out actually does what you are doing some good and inspires others to do the same.

However, we all know that trends, dances, and challenges turn stale and become out of style after a while. And then everybody stops doing them and moves on to the next cool thing to do and be seen doing.

We hope this will not happen with what is happening right now.

Let this spirit of giving surface whenever and wherever it is needed the most. Let this not be just a fad.