Vendors detained for selling amid quarantine find jobs in QC rolling store

Two vendors detained for selling during the enhanced community quarantine are now making a living through the rolling stores in Quezon City.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on Facebook live, vendors Amalia and Eden are now selling vegetables and fruits on the rolling store, or market on wheels, located in Malakas Street, Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City.

In an interview, Amalia lamented her arrest, saying she had left behind three children at home when she was detained for four days.

She said she tried to impose social distancing when she was selling.

"Dahil sa pagtitinda namin...pinagbabawal daw kasi walang social distancing. Ginawa naman po namin ang lahat, nagpapila kami ng tao...inayos naman namin, pero bakit ganon ang ginawa sa amin," she said.

Asked why she continued to sell despite it being prohibited, Amalia answered, "Aantayin pa ba namin ang ayuda ng gobyerno kung kailan dadating, eh kung kami naman, hindi nga kami mamatay sa COVID-19 pero mamamatay naman kami sa gutom."

According to the report, Amalia and Eden had invested thousands of pesos for the rolling store, but sales are currently low.

Amalia urged nearby residents to consider buying from their store, which is more open and spacious than public markets since it is stationed out in the streets.

"Huwag na po kayo magpilit sa malalaking palengke, dito na lang po," she said.

The rolling store will be open every day until the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine is lifted on April 30.

—JCB, GMA News