Meet Mang Rodel, a crab fisherman residing along the shores of Pagbilao bay in the province of Quezon. He catches crabs and shrimps for a living using his wooden boat, cage traps, and nets.
Like many of us, he is affected by the mass unemployment brought about by the #covid19 pandemic. He was a painter back in Saudi Arabia and was forced to return to the country after he was laid off by his employer. According to him, going back to the province is his only option to support his family and survive the ongoing crisis. It’s hard to find a job in the capital, especially with his line of work and even if he finds one, the pay is barely enough to cover his expenses let alone his family’s needs.
(Translated in English) “At least here, the food is free, you get to eat as long as you are a hardworking person,” said Mang Rodel.
He is waiting for the promised cash assistance from OWWA’s Balik Pinas OFW assistance program that can help them to have a fresh start but it’s been delayed for quite some time now.
Also published at Adversity Archive: https://www.instagram.com/p/CS1g54zBwYa/
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