Tomorrow in the Philippines (April 3) is the day when there is supposed to be a two-week shutdown for people to stay home as much as possible. Here in the islands, it is common for people to go to the market to buy a little each day. We see a man across the street going out each day to get what he needs. The really blessed people, like us, can stock up with enough food and water for a two-week period. After today, no one can go to Dumaguete, the main shopping center where most everyone goes to buy food. The little stores along the streets will have drinks, noodles, chips and snacks but little else.
This afternoon, a group of young adults (boys and girls) were walking up and down both sides of our street, calling "Hello" at each house's door or gate. They had sacks of rice to give away to those who wanted it. A pedicab was following along with huge sacks of rice and the young people would fill smaller bags (maybe 2 pounds each) for each household. They were outside our gate a few minutes ago. I wanted to get a picture of them but thought it would be rude and they might not want recognition.
They are doing this in the middle of the afternoon. It is 91 degrees with a 58% humidity with only a slight breeze. We are very proud of these young people for thinking of others and wanting to be sure they have enough to eat during the shut down. I hope there are a lot of good deeds being done for others in the U.S. during this difficult time.
The Philippine President is not easy-going with his words. He says the lockdown will be enforced and they will just "shoot them dead" if people do not comply. Typically, people here are just like those in the U.S. who do not like rules enforced on them so there will be many who will continue to go out.
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