God did provide many consolations.

The salaries of government employees were intact even if

we were not reporting for work. And when I heard that we were to receive monetary calamity
assistance, I knew my hands would simply be a conduit so that the calamity assistance would reach the
true destination.

On March 27, 2020, a friend (CA friend) from CA posted this in our group at about 2:18 in the
afternoon.

It was amazing and very moving that people who are even more simple than I am in terms of
salary grade can have a very big heart for others. But before I could even recollect on how I also could
lend a hand, we got news at 2:42 pm that my very good and sweet friend, Ate Smile (the name I gave
her since I met her) from CA became a casualty of Covid-19. Everything became silent. I did not know
what to feel or think. I prayed for her soul, trusting that she is now happier in heaven.

It was only at 10:19 pm of the same day when I once again came back to my senses.

Distance, lack of means of transportation or means to cause bank or money transfer are not
good enough reasons to suppress the whispers of the frontliners in my heart. My experience during
those very few days early in March before the “lockdown” of the judiciary gave the frontliners a special
place in my heart. I understand their daily fear of the unknown. The anxiety while disinfecting
themselves upon reaching home. The fear of tomorrow and the days ahead as they go out to be on the
streets again. And so, I sent a private message on Messenger to my CA friend:

“Me: Push nyo ba talaga yan pagtulong sa frontliners sa coastal?

CA friend: Initiative ng batch namin sa college, kung ako lang kung ano lang kaya
ko.. Pero basi sa nakausap naming kanina don, hirap talaga sila..Actually
madami sa kanila ang nakaquarantine..

Kaya nga kanina halos ayaw nila lumapit sa amin, ung pinalabas lng un
ok..

Xxx

Me: Pwede bang bigyan kita ng 5k pag magkita tayo para mapandagdag mo
sa maitutulong mo sa kanila? Xxx it doesn’t matter if sa group nyo or sa
personal help [sa kanila] mo gamitin”

That was how it started as for my help for these people who are also vulnerable against the
smallest of their enemies; even with their guns and military tanks.