Taft Community Pantry

Last year, we led a successful effort to support our healthcare workers in their battle against COVID-19 and the relief operations for the series of typhoons that hit the country. This year, we want to extend our hand to those who need our help while facing the ongoing pandemic. Many of our countrymen have lost their jobs and a lot of communities did not receive enough support during the imposition of the enhanced and modified enhanced community quarantines in their areas.

The UP Manila University Student Council, through its Finance and Logistics Committee and Tulong Kabataan Volunteer Network, initiated the One Taft #CommunityPantry. The project is in partnership with theSocial Work Committee of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente National Cathedral. It will heavily rely on the collective effort of the UP Manila Community, our partners, and donors to sustain and replenish the pantry. It will go by the mantra, "Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan."

The #CommunityPantry initiative started in Maginhawa, Quezon City led by Ms. Ana Patricia Non. Many communities and organizations have sprung up to replicate her initiative and have provided much-needed aid for our fellow countrymen.

We would like to request logistic and financial support for the OneTaft #CommunityPantry and other pantries surrounding Ermita, Manila. The committee is also planning to partner with various communities to establish urban gardening for the sustainability of this project. Localized efforts in Paco, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Sta. Mesa and other parts of the country are being conceptualized by UP Manila Students as well.