ROXAS CITY – Local businesses that participated in the “Hugod: Paskwa sa Plaza Sinadya Festival” recently shared their struggles and experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Janice Anne Zaldarriaga, owner of Spanggo Foods Cafe and Pasalubong Center, said that due to the pandemic, three outlets of their cafe have closed down.
Zaldarriaga, Capiz Integrated Food Producers Association (CIFPA) Inc. president, said that the business has pivoted online.
“We have to be adaptive due to the pandemic. Order-order lang anay through our social media accounts,” Zaldarriaga said.
With the help of a friend in Manila, she was able to expand her client list in the big city, with the products being shipped out through roll-on, roll-off vessels.
Visual artist Lloyd Develos used his creativity to create face masks and other crafts to adjust to the pandemic.
“Sang nag-umpisa ang pandemic, grabe nga struggle ang amon naabtan. Hindi kami makaguwa kag makabaligya,” Develos said.
Develos said that the items can also be purchased on his Facebook account, Lloyd Develos.
Jorgina Manalo of Panid Stationary Trading said that she started the stationary products as a hobby but a friend recommended to pursue a business out of that hobby.
Manalo said that she saw the pandemic as an opportunity for her business.
“Subong nga pandemic, naging way para makilala ang Panid. At the same time, nagka-time para obrahon siya,” Manalo said.
“Ang materials are bought outside Roxas City so we have to make orders in advance. Bangud sa pandemic, nadedelay ang orders and delivery but we find ways to do things right so nakaka-cope kami,” Manalo said.
Luiz Menez of the food business Menyoo also shared the same struggles with supplies.
“Ang supplies outside Roxas City ginakuha. Tungod sa COVID, ang shipment delay mag-abot” Menez said.
Menez said that his business is a way to practice his skills as a culinary student.*
