ECQ Diaries

During the start of Manila and Luzon Lock down. I was stuck at home due to transportation challenges. In my 8 years stay in VXI this have been the longest that I've been out. I was not able to report for work for 26. Then after the holy week I was able to finally secure a free account provided by our company. I have to rent a ride from home going to the accommodation in Quezon City. April 11, 2020 is when I receive a go signal from my team lead that the accommodation is ready. I brought two backpacks with my clothes since I'm not sure how long I would be staying in the accommodation. I have to pass the Bulacan- Caloocan check point. I have to talk to three soldiers. The third one is there supervisor since they told me that it's too late for me to get in. Good things after few minutes of talk and after I showed the documents to the supervisor he finally let me pass through. As I travel Quezon City rally looks different. It's like a ghost town with few people and less vehicles. The silence is music to my ears and the view really looks clearer due to less pollution. Kuya Erwin, the driver for rent dropped me exactly in my accommodation. When I get to my room I was not able to sleep. It a mixture of excitement and my body haven't felt at home yet. That night I started my shift. I felt weird at I walk in the hallway. It's very silent. It felt like I was the only one there. Good thing the security guards were there. As my shift about the start familiar faces started to arrived. I was really happy to see them. Laughter finally covered the dead silence in our production floor.

During this time of pandemic and lock down my colleagues became my family. They brought joy that counters the worries and anxieties that I felt. Staying at home was a big torture for my mental health. I felt useless and unproductive but being at work brought back my energy and enthusiasm. 

During this time of crisis I am very thankful that I chose the right company. A company who really cares for their people. The company gives free alcohol, free accommodations, free food, hazard pay, laundry allowance and free shuttles. They give early payouts and prorated 13th month pay. They basically shell out thousands (if not millions) of pesos to support and help their employees in times of need whole keep the business going.

I'm also thankful that we have good leaders who work tirelessly to help their subordinates and listen to they need. I am a BPO employee. We are also front-liners. We support people and help the economy. We paid our taxes that was used during this pandemic. Some people might see us less but I am proud to be part of this industry and I am proud to be a call center agent.

(This post is subject for editing)