QUEZON CITY — Among those hardest hit in the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is the public utility transportation sector — especially jeepney drivers.
Their livelihoods have been down since enhanced community quarantine does not allow them to travel around, while general community quarantine limits the number of passengers that are allowed to ride in their vehicles.
“As a father, I know how heartwrenching it is to not be able to bring food to the table,” said Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. (BAVI) president Ronald Mascariñas.
That is why behind the leadership of Mascariñas, Chooks-to-Go, the country’s leading rotiserrie went around Project 3, Quezon City last Friday to distribute meals to the jeepney drivers there.
Over 60 packs of oven-roasted chicken were given to the drivers and their families — some of whom have been eating rice and salt to get by since March.
“Talagang hirap na hirap na po kami,” expressed jeepney driver Alberto Gloria.
“Kaya masayang masaya po kami at may tumulong sa amin! Salamat at mapalitan din yung asin at saka tubig. Kasi makakatikim tayo ng masarap na pagkain ngayon.”
For Mascariñas, he hopes that even for just a day, these jeepney drivers were able to bring joy to their families. Moreover, he wants them to know that hope is not lost.
“We want them to not just be given filling meals, but also a meal that is also healthy. We pride ourselves of producing chicken that has never uses antibiotics in raising them,” said the amiable executive.
“We want them to know that we will not leave them behind.”
“Minsan lang mangyari ito! Tatanggapin namin yung pagmamahal niyo sa amin ng Chooks-to-Go,” shared Gloria, on the other hand.