DAVAO CITY – NINETY-TWO porters received rice and cash assistance from the office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte at Davao International Airport on September 1, Wednesday morning.

 

The said food and cash assistance supports porters’ who are also affected by the crisis brought about by the COVID-19. The airport porters are responsible for the  general task of loading/offloading luggage and cargo including assisting travelers.

 

56-year-old Victor Daplen, a porter at the Davao airport, expressed his gratitude to Rep. Duterte for the assistance. He said the food and cash would be able to support his family’s current basic needs.

 

“Perteng lisora kay rotational naman lang gud na among trabaho. Sa isa ka semana, kaduha lang mi mag-report. Dako na ning tabang aron makapundo mi para sa sunod expenses,” Daplen said.

 

47-year-old Oscar Gabriel, High Airlifter Service Corporation supervisor, echoed the same sentiment with Victor. He said the pandemic has ultimately affected the schedule and their work.

 

“Gipangitaan gyud namo ug paagi na makatrabaho gihapon ang tanan. Sa pagkakaron 32 lang usa ang salitan sa trabaho. Among income paagi lang sa tip ug kanang P10 per baggage,” Gabriel said.

 

He also recalled how the porters used to have enough income before the pandemic following the estimated four international and 32 local flights per day. Gabriel sought assistance from Rep. Duterte.

 

The First Congressional District Office has been giving both cash and in-kind assistance to its constituents and people who need immediate support in these trying times.