You’d see him sitting by the road side, a random “banana man” selling his wares. A fleeting scene from your daily commute, he’d be easy to miss if you were in a hurry. For journalist Alma Carpio, this fruit vendor would be her suki and her source of inspiration for the day.
Asked about the low prices of his produce, his reply was simple yet humbling: “Lockdown po tayo, Ate. Ayoko magtaas ng presyo. Kailangan ng tao kumain (we’re on lockdown, I want to keep prices down, people need to eat).”
His sincere desire to be of help, even in his own little way, showed how a crisis could bring out the bayanihan spirit in all of us.
In a year that opened with a global pandemic, resulting in widespread economic and social disruption, massive loss of lives and livelihood, and further compounded by natural disasters and a slew of negative, inaccurate news driven by panic or plain thoughtlessness, we only hold on to a flicker of hope.
Thanks to the internet and what it makes possible, more people like the banana vendor have kept that glow alive. People in lockdown have found ways to cope and connect. When marketplaces closed, people started selling online. When they lost their jobs, they harnessed other skills and found other sources of income. When lockdowns were extended, they found ways to reach out and uplift one another.
As we embrace the new normal, we rise above the challenges, proving we can do more and be better human beings. Take these people of Smart Communities.
Service, business opportunities
Dr. Stanley Caminero operates a satellite charity clinic in Linut-od, Argao. For him, patients’ calls in the wee hours of the morning are never unwelcome interruptions. “If I don’t answer that phone call, the patient’s condition could worsen. A lot can happen in a day or even in an hour!” he said.
Thanks to telemedicine, his patients need not travel for consultations and risk exposure to the virus. “The pandemic has cemented the role of telemedicine in addressing health concerns…Technology has made it possible,” he added.
When the Smart Bacolod Store was closed temporarily, RJ Bermudez and his team went online to keep in touch with their customers. “I turned my social media accounts into a channel of communication with our subscribers,” he said. “We maximized our reach on Facebook and gave updates through our posts.” Smart subscribers, in turn, took to social media to thank RJ.
Rhee Telen, who works for the Cebu Provincial Government, assisted locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipino workers on their way home. He used different communication platforms to accomplish his work more efficiently.
“In this time of emergency, we have to respond swiftly and decisively. Having a good network has helped me coordinate–via calls, SMS, and social media–with health officers and chief executives of local government,” he said.
Because of travel restrictions, Hainon Abdullah, an Inaul weaver from Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, shifted to selling her merchandise via social media. Her customers now come from all over Cotabato, and some from Zamboanga, Sulu, and even Manila.
For Kagay-anon videographer Mark Quitoriano, technology opened up a different income source – live video streaming. “From online masses to weddings and even burials, I receive many requests for livestreaming,” Quitoriano said. It is a reliable source of livelihood for his family and a means to help communities stay connected while physically apart.
Outreach
To soften the effects of prolonged isolation, Marlou Flores of Iligan City organized an online singing contest dedicated to frontliners, while guidance counsellor Eurelyn Rebalde conducted online seminars, reaching out to students who need support.
Seminarian Farres Yalung continues to spread the Word of God through his online articles. “I hope I can help lighten people's burdens, and remind them to trust God and His plans,” he said.
The Hoffen Clinic – Center for Mental Health in Davao launched its HOPE Line to offer free psychological first aid via phone call to experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. “As long as people need help, we are at their service,” said Chris del Monte, HOPE Line project manager and the center’s program head.
Teacher Roy Genares, having tested positive of the Covid-19 virus, led debriefing activities in one of the isolation centers in Cebu City. “It was very challenging, but with the help of the internet and social media, I was able to get support from the outside world," he said.
Nicole Bedaña and her friends organized donation drives to provide meals for the medical frontliners in Cavite province. “When you gather a group of young professionals with a good heart, it creates an impact especially since everyone knows how to utilize social media well,” she said.
Chef Rei Andaya of Las Abuelas Bakeshop in Bulacan also answered the call for bayanihan, distributing free bread to frontliners and the less fortunate in their community. He also encouraged other businesses and individuals to help in their own ways.
What might have been ordinary tales of daily life have turned into a treasure trove inspiration, shining a light on technology for good.