Joel Banawa: The Peddler

By Taga Ibaan Ako

Hardly we've known what exactly happened to Salaban II-Malainin's water system. I myself will have to admit that I never got the chance to scribe the real score about it. It's one of the most complicated things I've encountered in Ibaan and I am crossings my fingers not to get entangled with it. But a visit in Salaban II brought me an opportunity to cross words with the least, as how others may consider him, personality with whom I can talk with about the issue. Meet Joel Banawa -the peddler.

No. Joel didn't pray for something like that to happen in the area. But just as when everyone is cursing everyone for the lost of the most important thing on earth -water, off their faucets, Joel was the last man to call for.

Joel drives a sidecar bicycle. While everyone is calling every devil's name for bubbles on their eyes, Joel can hear you scream. Why is that? He can peddle for your water needs.

Each day, Joel stays on the road. With a bang on one's door, he'll be on a household's gate to pour in and check on the amount of water he'll peddle on one's divine place. Most of the time, he would fetch 8 gallons of water. In one run from a poso negro, his sidecar will be slugging with water.

And it's only P30.00 for 6 gallons! A house in need of water, he'll make a run twice. And until such time they run out of water, that's only when they get to call Joel.

Joel has been doing the job for almost 3 to 4 months since the water system issue got messy. If things come to a prelude, Joel might be off the hook. Hopefully, Joel still get the job even when the system comes into smooth running.

Yes, he's married. He and wife banks heavily on P30.00 to P60.00 he's earning everyday out of his tiring feet's labor. Out of the amount, he's still able to save some penny on his pockets. He brings them with him everyday. What do you think he's to do with those coins? Joel has been saving to have enough money to buy roof panels for his house. Funny though, he keeps on telling people about it. And that's a big dream already for this peddler.

Still, kudos to Joel. Small man for big needs in Brgy. Salaban II.