Life has never been easy for Juan. Everyday is a battle just to provide food, shelter, and clothes for his family. Unbeknownst to some, a majority of Filipinos live on “isang kahig, isang tuka” basis. A majority of Filipinos are like Juan. 

The implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine has paralyzed several businesses, affecting everyone including those in the informal sector. These are small scale businesses that live on a day to day basis. Transportation was restricted and checkpoints were in place. Despite this, some people chose to go out in hopes of being able to go to work and that’s the harsh truth the government chooses to overlook. 

Some of us think that these people are just being disobedient and that they do not know the consequences of the disease. However, this is not the reason. It is hard to simply obey the rules when the odds are stacked up against you. 

In a news report by ABS-CBN, Reynaldo Alcala, a taxi driver, shared his sentiments about the lockdown. “Magugutom talaga kami ‘pag hindi kami bumiyahe dahil wala kaming pera, wala kaming pambili bigas. Mahirap eh. Mahirap ‘pag mahirap,” he said. 

“Gutom na gutom na kami eh,” said Allan Hagonoy, a vendor in Balintawak Market. They are just some of the millions of Filipino who are worrying about two things: the virus and possible hunger. 

No one is above or below the law. It is not that we should just let them go out the streets just so they can work. It is also dangerous for them as well. Special treatment is also not the solution. Instead, we should have a more inclusive society and not impose rules that are only applicable to certain groups of people. 

Without any assurance from the government, that they will provide for the needs of the people, the people will continue to find their own ways and measures for survival. Some have not yet received their ration. As for others, the supplies they have received is just enough and will not last them for even a week.

“The government will be on top of the situation at all times. We will not leave anyone behind. Sabay-sabay nating labanan ang COVID-19 para sa kabutihan ng lahat.”

We cannot turn things back to normal in a snap of a finger. But of course, what we can do now is to help the less privileged in any way to cope up with the current situation. This is an issue that the country has been experiencing even before the pandemic. The current situation just paved the way for everyone to know what some of us have been going through. Never stop being the voice of the voiceless. 

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Authors:
Sophia Orlanes
Features editor
Jermaine Ocampo
News editor