‘ILONGGO COMPASSION AMID COVID-19’: Good Samaritans distribute free food to drivers of food deliveries

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

The scorching heat of the sun did not stop a group of Ilonggos from distributing food packs to drivers of food delivery services, proof that Ilonggo compassion always endures even in the time of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

Photos of the good Samaritans offering free food in Iloilo City were uploaded by some concerned citizens and received support from the online community who praised them for their good deeds.

Phele Jan Garferio, who uploaded the viral photos on Facebook, said he spotted the group at Megaworld area in Mandurriao district while he was caught in traffic.

“We were in the middle of the traffic when we saw these people giving out free food for food delivery drivers (under the scorching sun). Imagine? They did not let COVID-19 stop them from helping,” he shared.

Garferio said he was inspired by the initiative of the group and immediately took it to social media to share his experience.

“I was inspired kay makita mo nga they are really willing to help the drivers while they are braving the sun. I hope more people will be like them who are willing to sacrifice and help those who are in need in their own ways. If you choose to help and willing, this crisis can never stop you from doing that,” he told Daily Guardian.

Jesli Joy Guance, one of the members of the group, said their main goal is really to help in their own small way.

Guance, who is a Covid-19 frontliner working as a nurse, said they also witnessed the tireless work of the drivers to deliver food to the frontliners.

Hence, they wanted to show gratitude by offering free food.

 

“Goal man lang namon is to help. Since grabe man ila effort mag-deliver sang food sa amon, especially sa frontliners sa hospital kay sang pagstart sang pandemic, budlay man samon nga medical workers makakita food while on duty,” she told Daily Guardian.

 

The group distributed 200 food packs and water on Wednesday in Jaro district and Mandurriao district.

For Guance, a little help can go a long way especially in these trying times.

 

“In our own little way, pwede gid kita kahelp indi man need nga dako as long as we always practice social distancing, frequent handwashing, and never remove your mask,” she said.