By Carlson B. Alelis
Iloilo City has been in the spotlight for weeks as Ilonggos from various sectors found ways to help each other amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) threat.
One example is the efforts done by Ilonggo Rein Dayot from La Paz district.
Dayot and his cousin distributed 75 food packs to pedicab drivers and less-privileged individuals of Barangay Dike, La Paz.
“I know how hard it is for our pedicab drivers and their families to survive this crisis, with their means of earning hampered due to COVID-19,” he said.
Dayot said his family, friends, and batchmates from West Visayas State University – Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management batch 2017, helped contribute to buy the food items.
They also campaigned online to gather contributions from private individuals.
Likewise, they coordinated with officials from Barangay Dike and former village chief Rudiver Jungco, Sr., who is currently the executive assistant for Sports in Iloilo City.
Dayot said his motivation to extend help to pedicab drivers stems from his learnings at Colegio de San Jose in his younger years.
“Way back in my formative years, I was molded in an institution where love for the needy was emphasized,” he said.
Their second wave of relief distribution is being processed as of this writing.
Dayot also urged his fellow Ilonggos to reach out to those in need amid the COVID-19 threat.
“Let us show compassion and share what we have,” he said. (PIA)
