THE fever that is sweeping the whole country has already reached the province at a roadside in Malvar, Batangas.
Similar to the original one on Maginhawa Street in Quezon City that lit the Bayanihan spirit in us Filipinos, Malvar's version also offers prepacked eggs by 5s, a kilo of rice, noodles, vegetables, biscuits, and candies.
Everyone is welcome "to get according to his needs, and to give according to his/her capability."
The roadside community pantry was set up by members of the Batangas Varsitarian of Malvar, Batangas.
The true meaning of brotherhood and sisterhood is best exemplified and magnified here at times like this and we doff our hats to this kind of humanitarian endeavor amid the hardships brought about by the pandemic.
The Batangas Varsitarian has a legion of members scattered throughout the province's 34 local government units made up of four cities and 30 municipalities.
"Its purpose is to develop leadership, to promote friendship, and to provide voluntary service to the community. Our objective is to share fellowship among our members and as well as with the society" the online info about the organization says.
BV is not the original one as we all know but its purpose, especially at times like these, should transcend political and nasty name-calling or tagging a government official would like us to believe.
Everything is pure Filipino Bayanihan. Extending help to those in need and maybe, up until it hurts, as Mother Teresa would love us to follow her lead.
The pandemic has rendered millions of Filipino jobless while some are barely making ends meet under a reduced time of work and cut salaries.
This publication could only hope, the Batangas Varsitarian-powered roadside community pantry in Malvar continues and hopefully spark and inspire other organizations to put up similar CPs in other areas to help the needy.
It is also solemnly prayed for able and capable people of giving will not also get tired extending help to needy neighbors.
And it's one good thing this pandemic has taught us.