Inspired by the community pantries across the metro, animal centers and neighborhoods set up tables for the necessities of our furry friends.
As the quarantine in Metro Manila continues, access to basic needs like food remains a pressing problem for some households. As a response, community pantries have been emerging in different cities. These pantries allow people in need to take donated essentials such as produce and packed food. The concept started in Maginhawa on April 14, and since then, more villages and neighborhoods followed suit.
Beyond essentials for people, animal centers have been needing resources as well. Inspired by the community pantry, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has opened a space for what they call “community pawntry.” They are encouraging other barangays to put up a table as well to help pet owners take care of their beloved companions.
ALSO READ: Paws Up! Here’s Where To Get Your Beloved Pet’s Needs And Treats
Caring for companions
With the lack of efficient response from the government, despite securing billions in loans for fighting COVID-19’s impact, these community pantries seem to be our hope for now. From basic necessities for people to animals, these spaces remain the source of relief for all those greatly affected. More than a year later, it seems the ‘culture of kindness’ is what keeps us surviving in this ongoing crisis.
While we are still struggling, communities have, once again, resorted to relying on each other. This help is now extended to pet owners and even stray animals. In their Facebook post, PAWS is donating their additional stocks of other pet necessities. However, they also revealed the increasing lack in their supply of cat food. This is why they are accepting in-kind donations especially for food for their shelter cats.
The pawntry is located at PAWS Rehabilitation Center along Aurora Boulevard of Loyola Heights, Quezon City. They are open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily except Sundays and holidays.
Over at Makati, another pawntry was set up. The table offers sealed food for cats and dogs. But the organizers have opened up some and arranged trays with clean water for stray animals to feed and drink from.
For those who live far but still want to help, you can purchase pet food from the likes of Purrky Pets Khommunity and have them delivered to the pawntry.
On their social media post, the organizers also emphasize the importance of helping beyond the pantry and donations. They are encouraging adoption from pounds and animal welfare organizations, promotion of animal welfare together with local government units, and assistance to find potential adopters for strays.
The ‘community pawntry’ is located at #107 Kalayaan Avenue, Makati 1214.
Refresh the page to update the article as more neighborhoods open up community pawntries.
