The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) appealed to community pantry organizers to look for ways to reach senior citizens in their homes to prevent them from going out and lining up for relief goods.
DILG Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in an interview with GMA News that organizers may seek the help of barangays to course their aid.
The statement came following the death of a senior citizen who queued at the community pantry in Quezon City organized by actress Angel Locsin.
“Nakikiusap kami sa mga community pantry organizers na maghanap po tayo ng paraan para hindi na po natin kailangan papilahin yung matatanda,” Malaya said.
“Maghanap po tayo ng paraan gaya ng ipadaan na lang sa barangay para yung barangay na lang ang magbahay-bahay at ibigay na lang yung tulong through a safer and more effective way,” he furthured.
However, Malaya’s statement did not sit well with netizens. One commented: “Community pantry nga di ba? Iba ‘yong bahay bahay, government na dapat ‘yon.”
“Sila na nga gumawa ng iniative, sila pa ang aatasan ninyong magbahay bahay? Wala sila logistic… Kayo ang malaking pondo… bilyon!” said another netizen.
“Aba’y tumulong naman din ho sana ung mga officials para panatilihin pa rin yung kaayusan at ma-maintain yung PROTOCOL. Wag nyo namang i- asa nalang sa mga organizer ng community pantry porket sila nag iinitiate nun. PAMBIHIRA naman kayo!”
