By Beatriz Bernales
The Maginhawa community pantry has inspired many Filipinos across the country to start their own community pantries, each distributing food differently depending on the needs of their community.
Photo Source: Bigjay Lagang FB Account
This is exactly what the LGBT-Queens Organization in Purok 9, Barangay 76-A Bucana, Davao City did when they opened a community pantry with a twist that was openly accepted by their neighbors. In addition to food, they have contraceptive pills, condoms, and water-based lubricants to provide and give to their residents in order to encourage family planning and sexual well-being.
As they distribute the goods they limit it to three items per person in order to help more people.
“As a health advocate, I just want to give the community access to prevention of the increase in cases of STI, HIV and AIDS, and also teenage pregnancies," LGBT Queens President Regie B. Manginsay said.
In an interview with John Roxas on Wando's World Vlog, he said that the support and motivation is from One Heart Davao to establish this community pantry.
"It is important that we are responsible at all times," Manginsay added.
He also clarified that the provision of contraceptive pills, condoms, and water-based lubricants for women should be on their barangay's list, and should be the ones who continue to use it, as it is their way of resupply and prevention as the number of pregnancies among teenagers increased and have long been an issue in their barangay.
He adds that they also provide programs such as HIV testing and family planning screening.
He claims that they are accepting donations and that anyone can help by donating plastic bottles.
Since their community pantry was recognized and supported by many people, especially as it trends on social media, their organization plans to expand their community pantry by building in various parts of Davao to assist even more people during this pandemic.
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