A GROUP of small and big business owners and private individuals launched relief operations to both health workers and security personnel in Davao City who served as frontliners in the time of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
As of its 14th day, March 29, the group Generous Davao has raised about P3-million cash, which was used to purchase more than 2,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) suits, more than 2,000 pieces of N95 mask, and 500 sets of closed suction catheters. The items were turned over to the isolation facility of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
They have also raised a total of P240,000 for other medical needs and P46,280 for meal packs.
Food packs have also been distributed to military personnel at various checkpoints in Davao City.
Henry Tejamo, owner of Ellie's Sukang Tuba and chef, said the group was formed with his friend, Joe Green, to respond to the call of their nurse friends working in the state-run hospital on the scarcity of the PPE.
He said they asked the help of Dr. Rina Baluyot Angeles who also contacted her connections.
"[Since then], halos tanan mga naay business nag-share sa ilang mga goods," he said.
He said some of the people who have initially extended their resources are affiliated with Shell Oil Company in Marfori, Cafe Demitasse, Bukidnon Milk Company, Banco De Oro (BDO), Amesco Drugs, BMW, Toyota, Starbright Office Depot, and Davao Evangelical Church.
He said a kid, who refused to be named, celebrated his birthday by donating 80 packs of food.
The chefs of Viking Buffet Restaurant led by Aldrian Saraña and Benjam Barnija are currently giving away food packs to frontliners. Other chefs who also extend their services are Anton Abad, Keenan Gran, Aldrian Saraña, Mie Filoteo, Alvin Onor, John Ocampo, Raffie Hinampas, Sonny Boy Villanueva, Ariel Oñez, Rodel Baccoro, Shine Hoyohoy, George Cacho, Arnold Parnada and Marvin Curacha.
Meanwhile, Oridoo Halal Delivery Service suspended their operations for a day to distribute 500 pastil rice, eggs, bottled water and dates to security personnel in all of the checkpoints in the city on Monday, March 30.
"This is how we say thank you to our frontliners. Pagpapasalamat din namin na ang mga delivery service na pinahintulutan ni Mayor Sara [Duterte-Carpio] (It is also our gesture of gratitude for allowing the delivery services to operate during the community quarantine)," Oridoo Halal Delivery Service owner Khalid Gorospe said.
He added that they might organize another round of food distribution to health workers in the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) after many people have expressed intent to help.
"Wala pa exact schedule. Baka magluto kami ng halal food para sa mga medical frontliners para sa SPMC (We do not have a final schedule yet. Maybe we will cook halal food to give to our medical frontliners)," he said.