Safety is Critical: A Safe Management Webinar for Community Pantry Organizers and Volunteers
by Ivan Andrew C. Combalicer, Thames International Undergraduate Student
In every dispiriting situation, it is important to see the silver lining. In spite of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipinos managed to share hope by organizing community pantries. Thames International, in accordance with its vision of helping to build a new order, conducted a free webinar last May 4, 2021, focused on teaching community pantry organizers, volunteers, and supporters the safe management that will ensure the sustainability of community pantries amidst this pandemic.
The president and co-founder of Thames International, Joel Santos, welcomed more than a hundred participants and gave an overview of the current situation of the Philippines in terms of hunger. The number of people who are experiencing severe hunger has tripled since the beginning of the pandemic. According to him, community pantries are solving a social and economic problem, and that is the reason why he is determined to help those people who are helping others.
After the welcome message, Adolf Aran, a food and restaurant business expert, explained the basic principles of proper food handling including the 3Ws (Wear mask, Watch distance, and Wash hands) and the areas of food safety.
He was followed by Norman Adriano, a supply chain management consultant and trainer, and the current program chair of the Business Administration Program at Thames International. He discussed effective crowd management, the importance of appointing a safe distancing officer, and an efficient logistics system.
Two community pantry organizers were called to share their experiences running a community pantry. Noel Adriano, the organizer in Bankers Village City in Caloocan, said that after hearing about the Maginhawa Community Pantry, he and his family took the initiative to organize one as well. The other organizer of the Eastwood Community Pantry, Mia Howell, had a hard time finding a place for their planned community pantry. Fortunately, Thames International opened its campus so they could have a venue to use.
The webinar received positive feedback from the participants. One of them commented, “Thank you for giving us a very meaningful and timely discussion that can help us to be a more effective Community Pantry Manager.” Overall, the webinar gained an almost 97% satisfaction rate from the participants.
Community pantries are solving major problems caused by the pandemic. Thames is grateful for the opportunity to guide those who are sharing hope in these challenging times.
Thames International is committed to building a new order for the world by giving talented students and entrepreneurs the tools to thrive and lead the way in a world beset by rapid change. If you’re interested in augmenting your skills and making connections with some of the brightest minds in business education today, please take a look at our future-proof undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
