As our kababayans braced themselves on the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) for the third time in the NCR plus, Operation Blessing’s Disaster Response team partnered again with the 7th CRG – Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, delivering thousands of free hot meals daily for 10 days across the metro.
“Thank you, this lunch is of great help to me and my family especially now that it is difficult for us to work amid this ECQ. Our daily food consumption is ₱200 ($4) but I just earned ₱100 ($2) today. This food will get us through the day,” says Kristy Tanakao, holding the paper bag containing baked adobo and rice for her whole family of three.
She is not alone in this plight. Her neighbors, Nancy Buenavente and Elvira Torres, both senior citizens and widows, also lost their livelihood. Nancy used to work in a factory in Malabon, cleaning and doing errands, while Elvira used to sell imported preloved clothes.
Left: Nancy Buenavente; Right – Elvira Torres
“My granddaughter is the only one earning now. She works in a sardine factory. In times we lack money, we borrow from her then pay it when we receive assistance,” shares Nancy, teary-eyed.
Meanwhile, Elvira, immediately ate her meal that afternoon.
“I hope this pandemic will stop soon, so we could go back to working again for our family’s needs,” Elvira said while enjoying her early dinner.
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The spirit of ‘bayanihan’ plays an essential role during this unprecedented time. Partner with us today to serve hot meals to more communities, delivering not just relief but making them feel our love and care amid the challenges we are facing. Visit www.operationblessing.ph/give to extend help to our kababayans.
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DSWD-SB-SP-00035-2021-Nationwide. Valid until October 17, 2021.
