This community pantry serving the poor in Sibalom town is the first in Antique. It will open as long as there are people willing to support it. PHOTO FROM THE PROVINCE OF ANTIQUE’S FACEBOOK PAGE 
BY MARY CATHERINE YNEZ U. LAVEGA
SAN JOSE, Antique – A community pantry has popped up on Calle Onse, Sibalom, Antique to serve the poor and hungry – the first in the province.
Manning the community pantry is Renalyn Valenzuela, a Grade 6 teacher at Sibalom Central Elementary School. This is a joint effort with her cousins from abroad.
Renalyn’s family has an annual gift giving activity for the less fortunate. Due to the pandemic, however, her cousins couldn’t come home or send packages. Inspired by the community pantries popping up in Luzon, her family decided to do the same.
“Kami happy gid. Maski sa gamay namun nga bulig at least nakapahagan-hagan kami kang anda kalisud, especially sa mga tahu nga isang kahig, isang tuka,” she said.
Leticia Nehoge of Barangay District IV lined up in Calle Onse on Monday morning to make use of the community pantry.
“Siyempre gapasalamat ikaw kay may tahu nga gabulig kanimo. Wara ‘kaw ti ubra tapos may gabulig kanimo,” said Nehoge, an itinerant vendor who sells kakanin and tinola for a living.
Barter is highly encouraged in the Calle Onse community pantry. Items such as vegetables can be exchanged for rice, noodles, and canned goods.
Susan Leong-on of Barangay District III benefitted from the Calle Onse community pantry. When asked if she would do the same given the opportunity, she said yes.
“Siyempre pigado bay, ti siyempre magtulung-tulungan. Kon may rugyan ikaw kag bastante, ti tulungan ang iban,” said Leong-on.
Other than Renalyn’s family, friends have also been donating goods such as vegetables and groceries to the pantry. Farmers from nearby barangays and in Barangay Aningalan, San Remigio have been selling their produce to them – a big help to farmers who could not sell their produce before it spoils.
Renalyn said the pantry will open as long as there are people willing to support it. She hopes her family’s project could inspire others in Antique to start their own community pantries. (Province of Antique Facebook page/PN)
