Petroleum and Environmental Engineer Jared Ignacio thought of cakes as the perfect symbol of appreciation to medical frontliners. “We usually give cakes (or cupcakes) to people on special occasions. When you receive a cake, you feel rewarded, loved, special, and that people want to spend your special occasion with you. Somehow it gives happiness and reduces stress for the recipient. Our dearest medical professionals and staff deserve these for risking their and their families’ lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been 2 months already since the community quarantine started. It has been tough on everyone, especially to our frontliners who are more exposed to the potential hosts of COVID-19. [Although there are still uncertainties about the status of COVID-19 in the Philippines including in Palawan, the fact that the number of reported suspected or confirmed mortality and morbidity cases related to COVID-19 in the province remains very low to zero may already be a good news to most of us.] Two months of survival from COVID-19 is a good news for us and this is something worth celebrating. Our medical frontliners have a big role in achieving this status.”
It took Jared just a few days to get 57 individuals (including small businesses) to contribute to this cause. He was amazed by their desire to help, some contributors are kids, unemployed, students, young professionals, professionals, entrepreneurs, OFWs, and senior citizens. Some do not have or only have a little money to share but committed to help in their own small ways.
According to Jared, the initial target was only 1 hospital and less than 100 cupcakes. “With the fast influx of contributors who wanted to share for this cause, the target was extended to 200, then 300, then 400, then 500. Everyone was excited, involved in the process, and heart-willing to take part. It was so overwhelming. It’s like Bayanihan,” he added. The contributors were able to raise funds to give 5 cakes and about 500 cupcakes to 5 different locations:
(1) COOP Hospital;
(2) Quarantine facility for persons under PUI and those with symptoms of COVID-19 in Skylight Hotel;
(3) Ospital ng Palawan;
(4) The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of the PDRRMC in the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum and
(5) Adventist Hospital.
Efforts such as this prove that if we all come together, in spite of the bitter effect of this situation – the genuine desire to support and encourage each other makes it sweet.
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