The DILG has this message to community pantry organizers.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has this message to community pantry organizers in the Philippines.
In a report on Inquirer, the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Friday encouraged community pantry organizers to coordinate with local government units (LGU) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in order to ensure that health and safety protocols were observed in the distribution of assistance.
According to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, it was the organizer’s responsibility to implement the minimum health standards and that was the primary reason why they have to coordinate with the local government units so that the latter can provide assistance.
READ ALSO: Quezon City Issues Guidelines for Community Pantries
Año also said that the DILG was “alarmed” after a huge crowd lined up in a community pantry set up by Angel Locsin to celebrate her 36th birthday in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City last April 23.
Among those people who lined up at Angel’s community pantry to get food and other essential items was Rolando Dela Cruz, who lost consciousness while waiting in line and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Año added that the Philippine National Police will be conducting an investigation into the incident.
“Since somebody died, the PNP has to conduct an investigation. We cannot ascertain yet who could be liable until the completion of the investigation,” Año said.
READ ALSO: Senior Citizen Waiting in Line at Angel Locsin’s Community Pantry Dies
Año, meanwhile, said that the Department of the Interior and Local Government supported and encouraged community pantries set up across the Philippines.
However, Año noted that community pantry organizers must adhere to local ordinances and existing laws, especially those issued to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease.
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