A woman from Caloocan celebrates her birthday by giving away relief goods in her barangay amid COVID-19 threat

Celebrating birthdays at a time of a global pandemic like COVID-19 doesn't feel quite right, but a woman in Caloocan City did just that — by giving away relief goods in her barangay.

Irene turned 41 over the weekend but instead of holding a big birthday celebration, she chose spend the money to buy goods and be able help those who are affected by the current public health crisis.

"Alam ko namang mas marami ang nangangailangan ng tulong kaya naisip namin na relief goods na lang po ang ibigay namin," she told GMA News Online.

Irene managed a simple birthday merienda of pancit and some cupcakes for her family and they spent the rest of her day repacking goods and giving them away.

In total, Irene and family gave away 200 packs of relief goods with 1 and 1/2 kilo of rice, a twin pack coffee and a pack of noodles.?

Irene said seeing her neighbors happy even just for an afternoon gave her joy on her big day.

"Ang sarap lang po sa pakiramdam na makatulong po tayo kahit sa simpleng pagbibigay lang. Na kahit may pinagdadaanan po tayo, yung makita mo na masaya sila, sulit na po iyon. Alam ko po na kahit sandali ay nakalimutan nila ang pinagdadaanan natin ngayon."

On Facebook, Irene said a thanksgiving prayer, adding "I know that we are in the middle of a situation that only You alone can intervene. We pray in all humility that you will be our Healer and Protector. In Jesus Name Amen."

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole Luzon on enhanced community quarantine which started last March 17 which is expected to last until April 13.

The quarantine has caused Filipinos to temporarily lose their jobs and have business operations on hold.

As of Sunday, the Department of Health reported 343 new cases bringing the total number of cases to 1,418 with 71 deaths and 42 recoveries. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News