BEHIND THE MASK: NURSES’ VOLUNTEERISM

I. RATIONALE:

On 30TH of January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in the country. On the 7th of March, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. This situation has led to the lockdown of some of the major cities in the country. This is the step of the national government to intensify the quarantine procedures and hopefully prevent the spread of the disease. Most of the local government particularly on the areas with 2 or more cases of COVID has also decided to implement these measures to flatten out the curve of the infected areas and perhaps manage the local transmission. The lockdown has been dubbed as enhanced community quarantine.

The community quarantine may be preventing some major spread of the disease, but the drastic measures imposed in Metro Manila left many of the city's businesses plummet and deep dive in terms of operation and profit. This situation is definitely difficult to big businesses tolling to around 330 Billion Dollars in the Philippine economy, but major of its effect will surely be felt most by the homeless and low income Filipino families.

While some of the families might have done several trips to the grocery with more food to keep them fed for a few weeks, or have called over their phones to order food over express delivery services, other families cannot even secure a healthy and balanced meal for a day. Needless to say, this set-up might be affecting us all, but these families—the poor and the homeless are the most vulnerable, and the most in need. Providing them with basic necessities like food, medicines, and groceries can surely aide in their daily life and improve their condition during the quarantine.

Not everyone experiences the same struggles. All of us are born into circumstances we never really chose. Some were born with privileges, some have worked and achieved it. But with privilege comes a responsibility to champion social justice on behalf of the aggrieved neighbor. This is why in times of need; everyone is called to service. To help those affected by the pandemic and the lockdown would be the most practical thing to do.

The doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners have taken the opportunity to expand their service and even fortify the battle against COVID. Aside from serving in the frontline, behind their masks, there’s even more compassion to them.

II. TERMINAL OBJECTIVE

The activity aims to provide immediate relief to poor and needy families who are greatly affected by the enhanced community quarantine in Quezon City

III. ENABLING OJECTIVES:

Specifically, the activity seeks to:

1. Raise funds to purchase basic needs of the affected families

2. Provide immediate relief in the form of food and medicines

IV. COMMUNITY

Quezon City