Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 10) — Community support groups have sprung up on Facebook to allow netizens to reach out to people now struggling to make end meets amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Concerned netizens now have an option to donate to drivers, vendors, janitors, persons with disabilities and others in need of aid through various Facebook groups.
People asking for help must provide their names, valid IDs, photos, addresses, and GCash or PayMaya number once screened and approved for membership by the group’s administrators to ensure that the request is valid.
Donors who are also part of these groups may then comment “donated” on the post once they’ve sent aid.
For drivers
Facebook group “SuperTsuper” has been dedicated to drivers of public utility vehicles and transport network vehicle service, where they can ask for financial donation from group members via GCash, Globe’s virtual wallet service.
The group, which was formed on March 31, has so far enlisted more than 34,000 members.
For vendors
Street and market vendors who are left with no other means of income during the enhanced community quarantine may join “#PasokMgaSuki,” which has over 6,000 members to date.
For janitors and maintenance staff
“Bayaning Frontliners,” created April 4, is a Facebook group for janitors, garbage collectors, and maintenance staff.
The group already has over 2,900 members to date.
For service workers
“Tulong Tawid COVID” is dedicated to other service workers and donors willing to offer aid.
Laundry workers, barkers, manicurists, barbers, and freighters may also ask for help through the platform that now has over 1,200 members.
For persons with disabilities
“#HalubiloCares“, on the other hand, provides a platform for various forms of support for PWDs.
“Halubilo is a foundation with intention to promote Halubilo (interactivity) to create a positive impact for the community,” the group’s bio read, noting that the intention is to share opportunities, testimonies, encouragement, and support among its members.
Community members’ urgent needs vary from financial aid to vitamins, milk supply, and other basic needs.
The group has more than 300 members so far.
Another group, “Bayanihan para sa mga PWD,” has also dedicated itself to the same sector. It has more than 3,800 members so far.
The Philippines is currently under a state of calamity as the government continues to address the rising cases of COVID-19.
Luzon and multiple areas elsewhere in the country have been placed under an enhanced community quarantine since March 17, preventing people from going outside and performing regular work to minimize infection. This includes daily wage earners and those who have been relying on government dole-outs for access to basic necessities.
The country as of this week has 4,076 total COVID-19 cases, with 203 deaths and 124 recoveries.
Note: The Facebook groups above are reminding its members to conceal sensitive information in their IDs. Sending private messages to donors and other community members is also prohibited.
