MARCH 26, 2026 — Ana Patricia Non, also known as Patreng, has revived the Maginhawa community pantry — this time dedicated to drivers, riders, and tsupers battered by record-high fuel prices and transport strikes. Her move reignites the spirit of bayanihan at a time when commuters and transport workers are squeezed hardest by global oil shocks. 

Five years after Patreng’s bamboo cart of vegetables sparked a nationwide wave of community pantries during the pandemic, she’s back at the corner of Maginhawa and Magiting Streets in Quezon City. 

The signs are simple but sharp: “Laban ng Drayer, Laban ng Komyuter.” 

(The fight of the driver is the fight of the commuter.)

Another carton reminds everyone of the golden rule: “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.” 

(Give according to your ability, take according to your need.) 

On Facebook, Patreng explained her intent: “Habang nagtataas po ang presyo ng gas at tuloy-tuloy po ang transport strikes, dating gawi po tayo para suportahan naman ang mga drivers.” 

(As gas prices continue to rise and transport strikes persist, we go back to our old ways, this time to support the drivers.) 

The timing couldn’t be more urgent. Global oil prices are soaring amid tensions in the Middle East, with the US-Israel-Iran conflict rattling markets. Here at home, transport groups have staged strikes and holidays, leaving commuters stranded and drivers desperate. For many PUV operators, the math no longer adds up — fuel costs are eating into already thin margins. 

Community pantries are more than shelves of vegetables — they’re symbols of resistance and solidarity. Patreng’s initiative reminds us that ordinary Filipinos can step in where government support feels absent. It’s a grassroots response to a systemic crisis.

The Maginhawa pantry is not just about food — it’s about dignity. It tells drivers and riders, as Patreng put it: “Kaisa niyo po kami.” 

(We are one with you.) 

And that message resonates far beyond Quezon City.

But must we keep relying on bayanihan to patch up what policy fails to fix?

(Image: Patreng Non | Facebook)