UNIVERSITY of the Philippines President Danilo Concepcion expressed support to community pantries but he urged organizers to ensure that health protocols are observed.

He said that community pantries are “laudable, timely and worthy of everyone’s support.”

“These pantries address a real need, and do not carry any political colors except the red, white, and blue of Filipinos at their patriotic best. Helping the needy should be something to unite all Filipinos, especially the UP community,” Concepcion said.

He reminded the organizers, supporters, and beneficiaries of community pantries to observe the safety protocols.

“We must take note of the legitimate concerns of our health authorities and local residents in terms of these protocols. But with precautions, these pantries can bring out the best in us, and remind us of our sense of community despite the worst that this pandemic has wrought,” he said.

Community pantries have sprouted in Metro Manila and in other provinces days after the  first public pantry opened in Quezon City.