ONE will be touched on how food delivery riders serve their clients despite the risk of getting exposed to the novel coronavirus.
Three pioneer food drivers shared their respective stories on how they live with the new trend of delivering food to families and individuals who no longer hassle themselves to cook their own food or go out and buy but rather availed of the services at the comforts of their homes and offices.
Joemarie Lottila, a former call center agent, said that he truly enjoys his job as a food delivery driver because of the fun and the income that he enjoys.
He said that it is his sport to drive a motorbike and when a delivery company opened opportunities for them, he decided to apply and got the job.
He liked what he is doing as it doubled his income because he was able to serve his clients well and, normally, Bacolodnons and Negrenses are known for their kindness and appreciation, thus, the giving of tips or extra money for the services rendered are always there.
During the enhanced community quarantine, his work was a great help to him, his family and even some of his neighbors whom he had shared some of his blessings with especially those who lost their jobs during the pandemic.
But while the income is there, the risk is also present considering that driving a motorbike can sometimes be unpredictable especially when other motorists fail to drive safely.
He had figured in several accidents but it did not deter him to continue the job as for him accidents are part of life. The only thing is that one should always be extra careful each day while on the road.
There were also times that he delivered foods to hospitals. Considering the higher risk, he also prepared his own protection by bringing face masks, alcohol and disinfectant as he sprayed it to his motorbike after the delivery is done.
The peak hours of orders are usually during lunchtime and in the evening. But with the early curfew in Bacolod from 8 p.m. to 4 p.m., they get the last order at 7 p.m. and then go home before the curfew starts.
Jerome John Sayson, also a food delivery driver, said he likes his job because he controls his time.
The income is there as long as you are a hard worker.
He likes the job because of the sure earnings. There had been cases that they have so many clients, other times, only a little, but still one can manage the needs of his family due to the income that he had as a food delivery driver.
He also likes the freebies that he had especially at the height of the pandemic were some of their customers ordered "food for the rider," which means that food was meant for him. There were also face masks and alcohols given to him.
Almost every night, he goes home with loads of food due to the kindness of his customers, he shared.
On the other hand, Jommel Peñalosa shared his experience working as a food rider.
One time, a customer ordered a cake for him. When he was on his way to deliver it, a multicab sideswiped him and he fell on his motorbike.
He was very thankful that the cake was not damaged and he was able to deliver it to his customer.
There was a little delay but the order was delivered without any damage to the cake.
As a gesture of kindness, his customer has doubled the booking fee.
As we recognize the crucial role of food delivery riders as frontliners during this pandemic, we also hope that they are always safe on the road and away from possibly getting infected with the deadly Covid-19.