Vendor from Rizal struggles to earn income in Metro Manila amid quarantine

A netizen couldn't help but turn emotional after an encounter with a female vendor selling ice drops in Pasig City.

In a Facebook post, Loi Arcega shared that he spotted the vendor selling outside their house despite the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the intense heat.

"Mainit ngayon, summer na kumbaga! Ngunit ramdam kong wala siyang kita, balot na balot kanyang buong katawan para maiwasan lang masunog ang balat sa init ng araw, makikita mo ding tagaktak ang pawis dahil sa kapal ng kanyang kasuotan, bigat ng kanyang dalang paninda at isama mo na rin ang init ng araw," he wrote.

When he spoke to her, he learned that Nanay does not have a husband or kids, and that she was supporting only herself.

To help her, he and his cousin Gerald bought a bunch of ice drops for P10 each, and gave her some extra cash.

He said Nanay turned teary-eyed by the generosity and thanked them.

Speaking to GMA News Online, Loi said it was when he saw her quarantine pass that he got emotional.

According to the pass, the vendor was from Sta. Ana in Taytay, Rizal, but she was selling in Pasig City.

"I am concerned kasi sa dami ng checkpoints, tanging quarantine pass niya lang ang inaasahan niya para makapag tinda," he said.

"Umapaw na emosyon ko nung mga oras na 'yun," he added.

Due to the enhanced community quarantine imposed on Luzon, many workers are struggling to stay afloat as they lose income.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III earlier said at least 1.2 million workers might temporarily lose their jobs.

The quarantine has been extended to April 30 to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

—JCB, GMA News