“Last April 4, I went to the supermarket for my grocery run. While passing by the sikad alley, I noticed that there were fewer sikads compared to before the quarantine was announced. On my way home, I rode one since I had a lot of bags to carry. While in transit, I had a short conversation with Kuya Jeffrey (President of SODA Vesha 2, Gusa) and asked why there were only a few sikads that day and he replied, ‘Lisod kayo tungod aning COVID, salagma nalang jod mga Php 70/day mi, mao ang uban ga schedule nalang ug pasada tapos mangita ug lain income. Tapos ga agad pami sai yuda sa barangay unya galisod na kaayo mi.’  Because of that, I realized I could do something for our sikad drivers. 

Two days after, I started Donation Drive para sa Vesha 2 Sikad Drivers, an initiative to lend a helping hand to our Sikad Drivers who are greatly affected by COVID-19 by providing relief goods on top of what they have received from the Barangay and City Government. During the donation drive, securing donations was the greatest challenge, but with the help of my family and friends, I was able to gather more than I expected.    I realized that a lot of people are seeking and willing to help despite staying home. 

Through this donation drive, it gave me a heartwarming feeling of making a difference in other people’s lives. During the distribution of goods, you see those smiles on their faces — a different kind of smile, and saying testimonies like: 

‘Salamat kaayo, wala mi nag expect naay makadumdum sa amoa.’

‘Salamat kaayo kay maka kaon ug insakto akong pamilya karon.’  

These motivated me to do more - I recently concluded the 2nd batch of this donation drive for sikad drivers from Centro and Purok 6 Toda. Currently, I’m working on the 3rd batch for  Purok3 TODA.   

Let us be in solidarity especially to those heavily affected by this pandemic. During this time of crisis, let us support one another and bring out the best in us - stay home, follow the policies set by our government, donate if you can, share reliable news and infographics on social media, and pray for the safety of our family, frontliners, and our community.”

 Learn more about her initiative here: 

https://www.facebook.com/Sikad-Drive-112941107066772/

If you know any other youth-led COVID-19 response in CDO, please comment below or send us a message.  

#NagkahiusaBatokCOVID19 

#OroYouth