Taking good care of the people working for Megacem Inc. was the top priority of Jett Manuel when the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic began to wreak havoc in the country.
“My priority until now naman is really how I can help the people working for my company,” said the licensed civil engineer, who serves as vice president of Megacem.
“So that’s where my focus was. We were helping them to make sure they have enough money to eat, that they were safe mentally and physically.”
Manuel is fully aware of the crippling effects the pandemic has brought among Filipinos, so the former UP Fighting Maroon has made it a point to extend a helping hand should the need arise.
A friend of his is involved with the project by WTA Architecture + Design Studio and the Philippine Army, which aims to build emergency quarantine facilities to help in the fight against the virus.
So when he learned all about it, Manuel openly offered his company’s trucks to provide the logistics needed.
Photo from Jett Manuel
For the former Xavier Stallion, it is his way of paying his respects to the efforts of the brave frontliners.
“I have such huge respect for frontliners. So I’m thinking to myself, how can I help them also? Then this opportunity came up, and I just openly offered talaga whatever help I could give,” he said.
As per WTA Architecture + Design Studio’s website for its efforts, the project aims to build 60 facilities around Mega Manila for hospitals that have already reached maximum capacity.
Manuel, though, insisted that he’s just a small part of the effort. But he feels fulfilled to help a great cause.
“It’s nice to see people are rediscovering humanity because no matter how big or how small your way of helping, the idea for me is whatever you can to help, you do what you can,” said the 27-year-old ex-pro.
“Because, this is really, like, a different kind of situation for everyone.”
Now, Manuel hopes that others would also be of assistance to those in need as the battle against COVID-19 continues.
“Anyone can help through the project. Any amount, no matter how small, will really be of value. And if not through this, I hope more people will be aware of the situation and find ways to help,” he said.
“No matter how hard the times are now, we can all do our part to help the nation against this pandemic.”
