Baguio: The city government is planning to establish food banks and regularly conduct community food pantries to reduce food wastage and ensure that surplus food reaches those in need. City Council information officer Jordan Habbiling stated that community pantries will serve as barangay-based distribution points where food can be accessed freely based on need and voluntary sharing, while food banks will function as centralized facilities for collecting, inspecting, storing, and redistributing donated surplus food.

According to Philippines News Agency, Habbiling emphasized that the primary aim is to establish a food waste reduction system and assist those in need. The measure will institutionalize community pantries and food banks as official mechanisms of the city government. He noted the prevalence of food waste in households, establishments, and institutions, while instances of food insecurity persist, necessitating a coordinated and sustainable response.

Habbiling explained that the initiative seeks to establish a structured food donation and recovery system involving households, food establishments, markets, hotels, supermarkets, event organizers, and other food generators in the safe transfer of surplus food. This will include clear procedures for collection, handling, transport, and distribution.

To ensure public safety, strict food safety and quality standards will be implemented. The city government will issue guidelines on proper handling, storage, packaging, labeling, and temperature control to ensure all donated food remains safe and suitable for consumption.

"The measure emphasizes shared responsibility among barangays, civil society organizations, and government offices in implementing the program, with the City Government tasked to oversee coordination, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability of the initiative," Habbiling said.