ICYMI | SSU studes rally behind local taho vendor in need, spark more fundraisers

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — With now over 2,300 reactions and 1,500 shares, a Facebook post by Jan Lloyd Alarcon, a first-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student at Samar State University, has ignited a wave of support for Alvin Fajardo, a beloved taho vendor in the city.

Fajardo, known for his engaging trivia and quizzes that often result in free taho for correct answers, has been a familiar face to Catbalogan’s students for years. However, his recent health challenges have prompted a community-wide outpouring of compassion.

Diagnosed with a mild stroke, Fajardo is in urgent need of financial assistance for his prescription drugs. Alarcon’s call for donations posted on Sunday, which quickly gained traction online, has inspired other students and organizations, including the Eastern Visayas Regional Science High School’s Gender and Development Organization and Supreme Student Learner Government, to launch their own fundraising initiatives.

In an interview with The Tradesman, Alarcon shared, “It started po when I saw Tatay Alvin’s Facebook story… And then, because naluluoy [ako,] I replied, “Tay, need mo help imo reseta?” He said na yes daw and sirado an Malasakit Center. Therefore, waray hira nadaupan that day. The medicines prescribed to him were also not available ha hospital pharmacy and naluoy ako ha part na nagyakan hiya iya kwarta nala is pamasahe pauli. He was discharged yesterday lang po after 6 days ha Samar Provincial Hospital.”

“I asked [my classmates] for help na mag-conduct kami donation drive for Tatay because it feels like it was our time to pay back for the free taho we got from him. After talking to them and planning, about an hour later with Tatay Alvin’s permission, nag-post po ako ha Facebook,” Alarcon further expressed.

As of writing, Alarcon’s donation drive with his classmates has raised a total of ₱12,394.40.

If you wish to contribute to Fajardo’s recovery, please contact Jan Lloyd Alarcon through his Facebook account: Jan Lloyd C. Alarcon. You can also make donations directly to their donation drive via GCash: 0928 570 6193 Joseph Festijo.