Ana Patricia Non

Contagious Optimism and Compassion

By

HEALTH & HOME STAFF

On April 14, 2021, the Philippines was going through a second wave of COVID infections and deaths.1 Although Metro Manila was placed under a modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, 2 people’s movement and activities were still restricted.

deaths.

The previous year, the economy contracted by 9.5 percent, “the worst economic performance ever based on recorded data since 1945.”3

1945.”

Hunger and unemployment remained high, while the budget for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) or ayuda was running low.4 compassion revolution was set in motion. about the project went viral, over 200 community pantries sprouted nationwide. Months later, official government records showed at least 6,700 similar initiatives by religious groups, civic organizations, and regular folks. had the opportunity to sit down with Ana Patricia Non, the anonymous girl-turned-householdname who pioneered the Maginhawa Community Pantry. shares her life story and heart with our readers.

On this day, an anonymous 26-yearold girl thought of putting up a bamboo cart on a busy street in Quezon City to offer food and hygiene items to whoever needed it. It was a foreign idea, and it took quite some time before people grasped what it was all about.

Poverty in childhood

little “Patreng” was no stranger to hunger and poverty. Her single mom was into development work. Having