One does not have to wear a full battle gear like the army or military forces in this battle against the Covid 19 Virus. This is what we have realized now that we are faced with an “unknown enemy” surrounding our city and all the cities in our country today.
This Team we are talking about was introduced by Rizza Jane M. Villanueva, who grew up in Panabo City. Her parents are Winstor and Lorna Villanueva. She went to Panabo National High School and went to Ateneo de Davao University where she graduated Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She pursued her studies in the same university and finished a Master’s Degree in Economics.
“Jane tells us: “One of our team’s missions is to become socially responsible. So we decided to temporarily close our store to help ‘flatten the curve’. We believed this was the least we could do to show our solidarity with the community we are in and the people in it, especially our frontliners.”
“Before closing, we donated some of our stocks to the regional hospital, to the mall security and housekeeping personnel and to the women and men in uniform. We also gave the civil servants stationed at the Task Force Checkpoint. We thought that was it. We already did our part and we decided it would be best if we stayed home.”
“But after reading the comments of the people who received the food we gave and upon seeing the impact of what we did, we realized that these people deserve more, so we were inspired to do more.”
“Fortunately, some families and individuals started sending donations to show support. We volunteered as a partner restaurant. With the help of Food Runners, a local food delivery service company, we were able to provide food packs to our frontliners. We regret to say, that was the first and last cooking we did, due to the mall closure in Tagum City, we were no longer allowed to use our kitchen.”
“The cash donations from our partner families and friends kept coming and so we looked for other opportunities to help. I saw this Facebook post looking for fabricators of aerosol boxes/intubation boxes for hospitals. So I texted the owner of RSV Industry, the team who made our store signage way back in 2018 and asked him if they could help in making the boxes. Luckily, they too, were willing to help in the fabrication and were actually looking for donors to fund the purchase of materials needed. With their help and Food Runners, our team was able to deliver ten intubation hoods to four hospitals in Tagum City,”
“Presently, our efforts are focused on the production of bunny suits for our health workers. With the help of Ma’am Charisse Wong, we have already contacted volunteer companies willing to help us in this project. We hope that with their assistance, this will be realized.”
“Why help? In these unprecedented times, we need all the help we can get. And as the leader of our team, I wanted to set an example. I wanted to show our partner-employees that this is why we do what we can do. We do business not only for profit. We operate for a greater purpose. Also to honor our fallen heroes who put the welfare of others before their own and their families and made the ultimate sacrifice of life.”
Jane has a message for the frontliners: “Thank you to all the people who continue to bravely stand on the frontline” and remain true to their calling despite the unthinkable risks. Your selfless service inspires us to do our part and your daily sacrifice inspires us to continue to fight and win this battle, along with you and your families.”
