ILOILO City – The coronavirus pandemic is decimating not only people’s health but also the economy. Lockdowns are crippling businesses, resulting to people losing jobs.
In the mist of this double whammy, however, some are thriving like those who found jobs as food delivery servicemen.
Call it an ironic blessing in disguise. The pandemic has revolutionized food delivery service, and financially hard-up but hardworking Ilonggos are grabbing the opportunity.
Three food deliverymen shared to Panay News how they were able to get a hold of nicer income amid this challenging time, and why many are following suit.
“Before pandemic, mahina gid ang income,” said Cyrus John Dela Rosa of Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia, Iloilo.
Dela Rosa shared they were earning barely P400 a day then, but now they could earn a minimum of P600 or P800 daily.
“Subong okay-okay. Indi man mahambal nga tama ka taas, indi man mahambal nga tama kanubo. Tsakto lang makasagod sa pamilya,” said Dela Rosa.
He would just shell out a significant amount for his fuel and motorcycle’s maintenance.
Dela Rosa also shared that he’s not getting any compensation from the food delivery firm he was working for, and that the source of his income solely came from the delivery fees being paid by customers.
These fees also depend on the distance traveled in delivering the food items, he said.
It’s P50 for the first three kilometers, Dela Rosa shared.
Per day, he said, “indi kami magnubo sa 10 customers.”
They’re busier during weekends or holidays, Dela Rosa shared.
“Halos tanan nga mga tawo sa ila balay. Mostly gina-order sang customers food gid and milk tea,” he added.
But just like his pals in the food delivery service, Dela Rosa said the fear of acquiring COVID-19 while circulating outdoors and dealing with different people couldn’t be pushed out of the line.
“Naga halong man kami ah,” Dela Rosa affirmed, noting that they observe minimum health protocols such as proper wearing of facemasks and face shields, social distancing and frequent hand sanitation, among others.
On the other hand, 46-year-old Arnel Lauriano of Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao district is also seeing a silver lining. He has been working as a food deliveryman for seven months now.
“Daw okay man subong ah. Dira man sa P800 or P600 ang income namon daily ti daw kalu-kaluy-an lang,” said Lauriano.
He went on: “Indi magnubo sa 25 to 26 ang customers per day rason nga maka-income man kami sang maayo.”
He is also a bit worrisome when out for work because of the pandemic.
It’s good opportunity but undeniably risky, Lauriano put.
But nevertheless, they are practicing minimum health protocols.
“Kaluy-an man nga daw wala man kami nabalatian nga mga riders. Siempre nagahalong man kami kay kon sa pag-sanitize lang, kami ‘ya naga-sanitize gid nga grabe,” he said.
One risk Lauriano also sees is the possibility of figuring into accidents, especially during bad weather.
But, he said, they just have to secure their helmets and other safety gears.
Meanwhile, Gerald Sumaculob of Barangay Pandac, Pavia, Iloilo said he has taken an exhale even amid the health crisis.
He’s earning at least P500 to P600 per day now, compared to his pre-pandemic income (P300), Sumaculob shared.
People now opt to order whatever they want to eat online as they won’t choose risk of going outdoors to dine, he said.
“Okay na ina ang P500 to P600 sa amon kay kon normal nga worker sa eight hours P395 lang. Sa amon ‘ya ang P500 is only half day or four hours nga duty,” he added.
To protect himself from acquiring the virus, Sumaculob said observing minimum health protocols must be observed at all times.
Sumaculob is also praying that riders, not only in Iloilo but in the whole country, will be spared from COVID-19./PN
