The Association of the Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP) wholeheartedly supports
the community pantries sprouting all over the country, inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry.

These noble efforts at bayanihan and bahaginan are rooted in the commandment “to love thy neighbor
as Christ loved us”. There is nothing sinister nor diabolical with loving, caring, and acting in solidarity
with one another.

Our people need help. Our good women and men have responded to that call for help. The least we
can do is support them and not red tag them.

How can decent, upright individuals malign an effort to provide succor and comfort to their fellow human
beings? Hindi mali ang magmahal. Hindi mali ang magmalasakit.

To love and care for the other and to act in solidarity with the poor fully appear to us as Christian acts
and deeds worthy of emulation. Saint Francis of Assisi has said in his prayer: “It is in giving that we
receive.” Hindi kasalanan ang pakikipag-kapwa – ang magbigay at tumanggap.

We remind those in power that they are servants – not masters – of the people. People are tired of
quarantines. People have lost jobs and loved ones. People are hungry. People are in distress. Instead
of harassing, maligning and belittling these innocent community efforts, we challenge those in authority
to join and be a part of it. After all, power has been given to you for you to serve, not to be served.

The AMRSP encourages each congregation to put its resources, how little it may be, at the service of
the community pantries. We then call on all consecrated women and men to:
1. Create your own community pantries in your areas.
2. Provide support to the existing community pantries.
3. Provide physical presence to the community pantries in solidarity with the poor and needy.
4. Defend the initiators and movers of these efforts.

In our participation in this exercise of charity and humanity, may we truly feel that the heart of change
is the radical change of heart: from an epidemic of indifference to a pandemic of compassion. It is
Gospel-based and, without any doubt, an inspiration from the Holy Spirit, which nothing and nobody
can extinguish.
To the detractors who see red in every effort to do good we say, “Father, forgive them, they know not
what they do!” (Lk 23, 34). We pray for their enlightenment.

To our fellow Christians, we say: let us listen to the words of John the Baptist howling in the wilderness:
“Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should
do likewise.” (Lk 3, 11)

To our people, sisters and brothers in Christ, who continue to want for even the basic of necessities,
we say: thank you. We are edified by your example not only of receiving, but also of giving. You have
shown us through these community pantries that real change does not come from above, but instead
springs from the ground.

For the greater glory of God,

Sister Marilyn A. Java, RC Father Cielito R. Almazan, OFM
Co-Chairpersons
20 April 202