The Philippines is battling the worst COVID-19 surge in Southeast Asia.   Over 1 million coronavirus cases have been recorded throughout the country and over 17,000 people have died from it.  Hospitals are overwhelmed, with many dying inside tents set up outside hospitals as they wait to be admitted.  One in five COVID tests are coming back positive, and vaccination rates in the country lag behind its neighbors.  The government has extended its strict lockdown. This has had dire consequences on the population, especially those working in the informal sector.


A ‘community pantry’ initiative recently started to flourish throughout the country, starting with one young woman’s simple idea to put a small cart with free vegetables and canned goods on a street corner with a sign “Give what you can, take what you need.”  Hundreds of similar donation-driven efforts have popped up across the country, and this movement is growing.  This underscores Filipinos’ resilience and solidarity in times of hardship.


I am half-Filipino and had the opportunity to live in the Philippines when I was younger.   I am now trying to do my part and raise $1000 to send to family and friends who are running community pantries around the country.  I will send email updates and photos.  Thank you in advance for your help. I would appreciate any amount.

- Ernie Son