Ma. Doris Soriano, 26, is a resident of Barangay Tanza- Timawa Zone II, which is locally known as Tanza-Patyo (Tanza Cemetery), since the barangay is located inside a cemetery. Doris has three children, two of whom are in school.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Doris works as a saleslady in a small shop that sells clothes and accessories. She used to earn PhP350 per day. Her husband works different jobs as Pedi cab driver, fish vendor, construction worker, and many others. Their jobs enabled them to earn just enough for their growing children and family’s needs.

When the pandemic happened, Doris’ husband was not able to go back to work due to mobility restrictions and public transportation suspension. On the other hand, Doris lost her job when the shop where she worked was forced to shut down due to the declining number of customers.

“Due to COVID-19, we lost our jobs. We were left with no choice. We just stay inside our house with no source of income,” Doris said.

Doris and her family had to depend on her father, whose income in working in the cemetery is also affected by the pandemic. “Now we rely on my father, who sometimes have nothing to give. There are times when we eat twice a day. Sometimes, we eat nothing,” Doris cried.

Doris is one of the 400 beneficiaries of PCDR’s Relief Assistance for Families Severely Affected by COVID-19 in Iloilo City. On Nov. 13, 2020, she received a food pack composed of rice, mung beans, dried fish, cooking oil, and sardines. She also received a hygiene kit consisting of face masks, alcohol, and hand soap.

“All I can say to those who gave us the relief goods is that I am very grateful,” Doris said. “Without all of these, we may not have anything to eat in the days to come,” Doris added.