Monday, September 14, 2020

Bayanihan spirit abounds this pandemic :An overseas Filipino finds time to help fellow OFs survive COVIDchallenge

 





ONE   of   the   worst   effects   of   the   COVID-19 pandemic is the   increase in unemployment  rate   worldwide. As social distancing and   community lockdowns have   been strictly enforced to limit the spread   of   the   virus, businesses had to either contend with a diminished customer base, suspend operations for a couple of months, or close shop altogether. 


The results were staggering. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the   country's unemployment rate increased to   17.7 percent in April, the highest in   15 years, as the lockdown forced   the closure of thousands of businesses. This is equivalent to an   estimated 7.3 million Filipinos losing jobs.


For those who lost their jobs, their next thought process is understandably how to fend for themselves and their families. But there are those who still found the   time and grit to care for others, their   own troubles not with standing. Such was the case with Ms. Feby Baguisa. She used to work in ARY Speedremit, a former remittance tie-up of BDO, and who now lives in Muraqqabat Deira, United Arab Emirates. Like thousands others, Baguisa wasan economic casualty of the pandemic, rendering her unemployed.


 Despite her predicament, Baguisa still took the initiative of distributing dailymeals to her fellow overseas   Filipinos (OFs) who likewise lost   their jobs because of the effects of the COVID-19.


 Her efforts started at the onset of the pandemic-induced lockdown. Initially, she relied on the income   from her husband for the preparation   and distribution of meals which many unemployed OFs had come to expect as they queue up for the relief aid. The food donation became such a hit that even other nationalities lined up  and became recipients of the free   daily meals.


"These individuals are   displaced,   laid-on or   even   on   a   'no   work   no   pay'arrangement," she said. "The meals somehow alleviate the plight of the day-to-day subsistence of our Kabayan in UAE."


Eventually, outside help came in.


BDO Unibank took notice of her humanitarian efforts—dubbed as  Project Ayuda—and supported her   cause, as well as encouraged BDO   Remitrepresentatives in UAE to   participate in the distribution of   food packs to overseas Filipinos.   Even non-Filipino companies joined   the campaign and provided donation, including Alansari Group, Emirates Lotto, Khaled Alameriand West Zone Supermarket. 


Baguisa's food donation has already   benefited some 400 individuals,composed mostly of OFs who were either laid-off, out of work or on a “nowork, no pay” status. 


"They are still trying and persisting to somehow find jobs and maximize all the opportunities available that   would come their way," she said. "The success of the campaign has exceeded our expectations."


Baguisa also expressed gratitude to BDO’s participation in the campaign.


BDO is now encouraging its representatives from other regions to replicate Project Ayuda.


"Despite the adverse effects of the pandemic, we still want our Kabayans to enjoy Christmas. We hope to   achieve that through the   continuation and extension of Project Ayuda,” said BDO senior vice president and head of Remittance Geneva T. Gloria.


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