Paul Desiderio and fiancée Agatha Uvero have not gone out for the past few weeks due to the enhanced community quarantine.
And when they were able to do so, they made it count.
Inspired by the actions of Chooks-to-Go and its president Ronald Mascariñas in giving back amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the couple — both products of University of the Philippines — bought nine sacks of rice and distributed these to the vulnerable communities and the homeless in Quezon City.
“I really admire boss Ronald kung paano siya magbigay ng balik sa community, and I’m thankful rin na tinulungan niya rin ako,” said the 23-year-old, who received his own Chooks-to-Go branch early last year to help jumpstart his post-collegiate career.
“Kami naman ni Agatha, we always say na kapag may blessings ka or ‘pag may tumulong sa ‘yo, pay it forward lang.”
The couple started their day by heading to the barangay halls of UP Village, Teacher’s Village East, and Dagohoy. They would then head to Quezon City Circle and Quezon Avenue to distribute goods to the homeless in the area.
“Naisip lang namin ni Agatha na napaka-swerte namin na nakaka-stay at home kami, kaso maraming nagugutom, lalong-lalo na ‘yung no work, no pay. Siyempre, ‘di enough ‘yung maawa lang. Gusto talaga namin may magawa kahit papano,” continued the Blackwater Elite guard.
Desiderio was touched with how thankful the recipients were. Having grown up in Liloan, Cebu, he knows the hardships that they are going through, especially in the face of a crisis.
“‘Yung iba sa kanila nagugulat, bakit may kotse na tumitigil? Ta’s ‘pag nakita nila na nagaabot ng bigas sa kanila, makikita mo talagang tuwang-tuwa sila,” Desiderio shared.
“May nagsabi pa na ‘pagpalain po kayo’. Dun ako naiyak, kasi alam ko ‘yung pinagdadaanan nila.”
Desiderio and Uvero will continue to give back in the coming days.
