A Ripple of Renewal: Narratives for a Hopeful Tomorrow
A collaborative project of Christian Life Formation, Philosophy and Empowerment Technology.
The Sitio's Description
The respondents currently live in what appears to be a tiny community. It is a chatty area, with people doing their own business and attending to their own needs. The roads were small, and the houses were very close together. It makes sense that there are plenty of gossiping neighbors, or “marites” around the area because of the houses being so close to each other.
The parish was very simple. It was not spacious, but it was tidy. Although the fans were working, it can get a bit hot inside. The community around is averagely tidy and well-maintained in terms of cleanliness. Although the respondents' main concern is the canal. They have complained about it having an extremely unpleasant odor.
Meet the Interviewees
These are the people who we interviewed during the parish immersion where they shared their stories and experiences while living in the sitio.
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What We Have Gathered
After a discussion with both Nanay Rosalinda and Nanay Gloria, we received their thoughts on their residences. The most common problem discussed is the use of drugs by the residents in the area. The drug cases in the area have worsened and multiplied at least three times when President Duterte still reigned in the country. They even stated “Grabe na kaayo ang drugs karun uy, mura na ug candy. Halos i-hatag nalang nila miski kinsa.” This means that drug cases are overwhelming nowadays. They even described that drugs seemed like they were treated as candy in the area since they were given out to almost anyone. These people are no longer scared of the government. It did not help the community in the area, and instead worsened their state of living because they spent money on the wrong things.
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Other common problems in the area are drunkards, noisy and nosy neighbors, no proper first aid or medication, the stinky canal, and rape. Our proposed solutions are:
Organize more talks or symposiums regarding the consequences of drugs in their lives.
The residents should learn proper waste disposal. It is good to get the sitio to clean the canal once a week.
Medical respondents in the area should be taught proper first aid and medication procedures in events of emergency. The government should also supply proper medicines.
The tanods should conduct patrols everyday to maintain the peace in the area. They should also be strict with their curfews and rules.
The tanods should always conduct their nightly patrols even after curfews.
Organize more talks or symposiums regarding the consequences of drugs in their lives.
DRUGS
PUNGENT CANALS
NO PROPER MEDICATION/ FIRST AID
LOUD NEIGHBORHOOD
RAPE
Integrating Experiences
The most remarkable and memorable part of the parish immersion activity is, without a doubt, the sharing of experiences that take place between the students and the residents. We develop a sense of empathy for them as we listen and reflect on their experiences of living in the area. Filipinos are social beings by nature, so understanding others comes naturally to us. We have all experienced things they have shared with us, in one way or another. This is intersubjectivity. We exchange life experiences and build bridges to comprehend each other better during the discussion. Even in the face of hardship, humans have the ability to be optimistic about the future.
This activity also has a connection to existentialism. Ate Gloria, a respondent, shared a personal story. Ate Gloria is married, but her husband is an alcoholic. This opens her eyes to something and makes her reflect on their lives. In the end, she decided to drive her alcoholic husband away because she also had their son living with them. In her words, she said, “Di ko ganahan nga makakita akong anak nga iyang papa kay lasinggero.” (I don't want my son to see his dad being a drunkard)
For their safety, she decided to drive her husband away. Because her husband is an alcoholic, this can lead to serious consequences such as domestic abuse. She believed it was her duty as a mother to keep her son safe. She is content with her life now and has no regrets about anything she has done for her son or herself.
Personal Reflections
01
Jane Eleana P. Iñigo
STEM 11 - N
" On the day of the immersion, I felt incredibly anxious as our group was chosen to present our dynamic storytelling. My worry intensified, and I wondered if the residents would stay and enjoy the program. Fortunately, they did, and during our small group sharing, I gained profound insights into the lives of the residents, particularly Ate Rosalinda and Ate Gloria, whom we interviewed. Their stories were enlightening, highlighting the differences in our circumstances but ultimately revealing our shared pursuit of navigating life. I realized that, despite diverse backgrounds, we all strive to persevere, showcasing the universal resilience ingrained in the human spirit."
02
Pauline Analise Mosquera Alfafara
STEM 11 - N
"The immersion was something I never really thought about until the big day. I was nervous as our van drove to the location. Will we receive a warm welcome from the locals? Will they enjoy having us around? Our vehicle arrived before I could ponder more, and we hurried in to meet the residents. I discovered a lot about them, their way of life, and how their experiences molded another perception of myself as the day progressed. They were sharing stories about their home, both from past and present. It seemed like a very interesting real-life podcast-listening experience. I didn't fully realize how our lives are so similar until that moment. One goal everyone shares in common is to make ends meet - to survive. Many aspects of their lives are strikingly similar to our own because we are living in the same generation. While listening to the stories, gave me a brief understanding of her perspective, which allowed me to reflect on my own perspective on life as well. "
03
Marien Olivia Krystel A. Cabague
STEM 11-N
"Participating in this immersion was more than a journey—it was a transformative crusade that unveiled hidden stories within the community. It opened my eyes to the resilience and challenges faced by these overlooked communities, revealing both external dangers and internal threats. The rampant issues of drugs and assault shed light on the harsh realities people endure. Witnessing the hardships endured by others prompted me to reflect on my ability to navigate difficulties in my life. It raised questions about my capacity to withstand challenges, adapt to change, and maintain a positive outlook. This experience pushed me to confront and redefine my own resilience, fostering a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas I need to work on in order to promote my own personal growth."
04
Nikki Mia Jennica M. Tan
STEM 11-N
"When I heard we were going to have a Parish Immersion, I was very excited because ever since I was young, I had a big fondness for helping the less fortunate, especially spending time with cute little kids. When we got the chance to have an interview with the aunties, I thought it would be a normal conversation, just talking about each other's lives. But, no, I was wrong. The longer and deeper our talk got, the more I learned about how harsh life is for them. I discovered that the drug cases in their area are so bad that they call drugs 'candy' because they openly distribute them without caring about others seeing. Their lives are very harsh, but despite this, they still manage to push through and put a smile on their faces. It made me realize how privileged I am to live comfortably, without worrying about my safety or if there is even food to eat the next day. All of this is because of my hard-working parents, for whom I am very grateful. They provided me with the best education, along with all my basic necessities and wants, all for my brighter future."
