Mary Jean Serafin of Chexie Rice Trading was the partner supplier of SAFER Foundation for the food kits distributed in North Bay Boulevard (North and South).

But Jean did more than supply and deliver rice. The project inspired her to volunteer and initiate rice repacking, to lend her delivery truck and staff, and to supervise during the distribution.  

”Kailangan ma-distribute nang maayos kaya nagdala rin ako ng tao ko. Tumulong sila para ma-maintain ang peace and order.” (“The distribution needs to be organized which is why I also brought my people to help. This is to maintain the peace and order.”)

Jean praised the people of Navotas for being orderly. “Ang mga tao, kapag pinaliwanag mo ang social distancing, sumunod naman. They fall in line. Lahat nang may pangalan ay nabigyan.” (“If you explain social distancing, people follow and fall in line. All those with names were given rice.”)

This was not the first time that the wife-and-husband team supplied NGOs with relief goods. They also did this during TS Ondoy and Yolanda. One time, a school in Quezon City ordered rice in big quantity from their store. They wondered why the school did not just find a supplier in its own city. They also do not know how NGOs find them.  

If procurement is for relief operations, Jean usually sells at a discount or at break-even. She believes that her efforts return with a blessing, like good sales or gaining “suki” (loyal customer). 

During this ECQ, this couple also provided relief goods to their neighbors in need or those who have no income. Their pack contained 15 eggs, a liter of oil, a kilo of sugar, and 7.5 kilos rice. 

Jean’s message about donors and volunteers is simple: “Kailangan pasalamatan natin sila. Ang pagvolunteer ay hindi po biro. Dapat thankful tayo sa kanila.” (“We need to thank them. Being a volunteer is no joke.”)

For the distribution of food kits, SAFER Foundation is a partner of the Aksyon sa Kahandaan sa Kalamidad at Klima (AKKMA. And the Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Maralitang Navoteño Federation Inc. (NLMNF).

By: Sheena Pena, SAFER Foundation