“The patriotic thing you can do is to take care of the environment and try to live sustainably” –Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

An interview to the SR representative:

Public Information and Communication Office (PICO): Tell us about this zero-waste community pantry initiative and its difference compared to other community pantries going on around the country?

SR: The zero-waste community pantry of the ISAT U Student Republic was recently conducted last April 27 and 28, 2021. The initiative of the Student Republic, despite the pandemic, gave opportunities, as well as giving hope to the public that there are still people in this world who wants to help you and thinking about the environment at the same time.

So why did we push this “Zero Waste Community Pantry”? Of course, this event was to give back to the community and to fulfill our role in the society and to answer the clamors of students who want the Student Republic to help them in times of need. It also gave awareness to the community that we must achieve zero waste because as we all know, due to the pandemic, consumers and as well as factories began mass producing single use plastics in order to avoid or help mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

PICO: For how long have you been preparing for this initiative and how were you able to gather such amount?

SR: As time goes by, many individuals or groups of people have been planning and executing a community pantry, not one has been able to conduct a community pantry, but also take initiative to take care of their environment.

We were able to gather almost 16,000 pesos and almost 6,000 pesos worth of perishable goods. All of these were given by different individuals, private sectors, and as well as students who has extra resources that they can donate to the poor.

PICO: Who were your beneficiaries?

SR: Barangays such as Barangay Burgos-Mabini, Jereos, and San Nicolas, are among the beneficiaries of the Zero Waste Community Pantry. Students and Security guards of the university were also the beneficiaries of this event. The feedbacks of those people were really positive to the point where we plan to have a second part of the community pantry, with the collaboration of the extension office to further achieve and give all people in the vicinity of ISAT U a care package that can help them get by every day.

PICO: What is your message and invitation to your fellow students?

SR: This event would not be possible if it weren’t for the help of the Administration, GAD Center, Office of the Student Affairs and Services, Faculties, Students, and of course, the whole officers and advisers of the Student Republic – Iloilo City Campus. The Student Republic would like to thank all of the people behind this event. Indeed, helping is one way of achieving internal happiness.

To the people who wants to conduct these kinds of event, I say go for it. It is not too late or too early to help your fellow countrymen. Achieve your role in the community and help us mitigate the use of single plastic so that the younger generations would not suffer the consequences brought by the predecessors.

Interviewee: Ian Patrick M. Apin (ISATU – SR)