Vendors in Zamboanga City risk their lives by swimming in oceans just to sell on passenger vessels

Some vendors in Zamboanga City have no choice but to risk their lives by swimming in the oceans just so they could sell goods on a ship.

According to a “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” report, it is prohibited to sell in the city’s docks. Violators will be apprehended by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Vendors like Sherwina and Josephine, however, have to earn a living for their family.

Despite being 7 months pregnant, Sherwina is willing to do what it takes just to make ends meet.

“Kahit malaki ang tiyan ko. Magbebenta pa rin ako hanggang 9 months. Kapag manganganak na ako, paglipas ng pitong araw, babalik din ako dito.”

(“I’ll continue to sell even if I’m 9 months pregnant. After I give birth, I’ll go back to the pier and work.”)

Meanwhile, Josephine faces danger and swims from a nearby beach for about 20 minutes with her goods until she reaches the ship.

What they do is put their goods like donuts and barbecues inside plastics to protect them from water.

“Lalangoy kami papuntang pier tapos aakyatin yung barko. Doon na rin maglalako,” she said. “Nakakatakot especially ‘pag malakas ang alon. Minsan madadala yung paninda mo, hahabulin mo.”

“Sanay na kami. Ito lang 'yung way na mabibigyan namin ng maayos na pagkain 'yung pamilya namin kahit pa delikado,” she added.

("We swim towards the pier then climb the boats. We sell there. It's scary especially if the waves are high. Sometimes, our goods are swept away, and we have to chase them.”

"We're used to it. This is the only way we can provide food for our family, even though it's dangerous.")

Josephine’s determined to make ends meet, especially for her child that was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

She has also since experienced terrifying things—like seeing her brother almost out of breath.

“Na-try ko na tumalon talaga sa rooftop ng barko kasi nakita ko 'yung kapatid ko na halos naghihingalo siya kasi high tide tapos walang tumulong sa kanya,” she said.

(I've experienced jumping from the top of the ship because I saw my brother gasping for air because no one was helping him.")

Despite all this, she still chooses to continue as this is the only thing she knows. Josephine said she tried other jobs before, but this is how she was able to provide for their needs.

“'Yung araw-araw na kita, ‘yun ang habol namin. Sisikmurain mo lang talaga 'yung paglangoy. Doon ay mas nabibigay namin 'yung pangangailangan ng anak namin kasi araw-araw na meron.”

“Sipagan mo lang, makakabenta ka talaga,” she added. “Kahit anong hirap ng buhay ay magbebenta kami diyan. Paluin man kami ng mga escort, habulin kami, hatakin kami.”

("What we’re really after is the daily income. We're willing to endure swimming across the ocean. This way, we'll be able to provide for our children.”

"If we work hard enough, we'll be able to sell enough goods and make money. No matter how hard life is, we'll be able to make it. Even if escorts hit us or chase us.")

Josephine said she’s also already tried reaching out to the government, but to no avail.

“Nag-try na ako sa DOLE, baka meron sila nung negosyo cart. Hindi pa naman ako nabigyan. Sana makita nila 'yung sitwasyon namin. Hindi namin ginusto na maging mahirap.”

("I've tried reaching out to DOLE in case they have 'negosyo cart.' I haven't received anything. I hope they see our situation. We didn't ask to be poor.")

According to Zamboanga City’s local government, they will look into finding ways to help these vendors.

On mistreatment, meanwhile, PPA said they did not abuse violators, adding that they’ve always been “diplomatic” in dealing with vendors.

For those interested in extending help to Josephine, here is where you can make your donations:

Philippine National Bank Sucabon Branch
Account Name: Josephine Soreño
Account Number: 4156 1003 1232

—JCB, GMA Integrated News