A strong heart and an optimistic mind.
Two different stories get the better of COVID-19 through maximizing resources and channeling aid through localization – allowing space for the locals to lead development and sustainable life interventions.
ECOWEB and its international partners, Johanniter International Assistance and Aktion Deutschland Hilft, launched the Survivor and Community-led Response (sclr) to the Most Affected Families and Vulnerable Communities Affected by Earthquake Swarm in Cotabato project. Earthquake survivors, given the idea that local capacity does exist, were entitled for decision-making and eventually preferred cash assistance as they knew how it realizes the purpose – either a food on their table, materials to rebuild their houses or a community initiative projects that make life anew for them.
On February 26-27, 2020, survivors received cash through money remittance centers. Lapu-Lapu 2 is one of the Self-Help Groups (SHG) from barangay Buenavida in the municipality of Makilala, Cotabato. The group received a total of Php 92,000 which was thoroughly identified through members’ capacity and vulnerability assessment.
Randy Mayong, 39 years old and an SHG leader, inspired a lot of co-beneficiaries as he housed his family away from the threat of environment. At the height of earthquake in Cotabato, his house collapsed and his family has to evacuate and found themselves in Sandique Farm evacuation center.
“As the pillar of my home, I made sure of the safety of my family and to think, I also have to look after my mother who is already a senior citizen. There is no other way but to abandon my house, looked for a safe ground and took refuge” he said.
The earthquake and this current corona virus pandemic measured their strength. It really hit them hard – testing their faith and fortitude.
With the money he received, he bought plywood and tin roof to initially restore the house that was once a home of a happy family. The house was devastated by earthquake and now, it needs to stand again to keep them safe. Even if they are confronted with the present-day circumstances, the money was never used to any daily needs even during on quarantine. Prior to receiving the money, the family already decided that it will be used to install the house and eventually, it came alive.
“I was already hopeless and my mind was a cloud of confusion. But with the help of the project, I have seen hope. Now, I can assure that my family has started anew. Even if the house still needs more housing materials and reconstruction, the most important thing is that while still in the midst of this pandemic situation, my family can stay indoors. ” he ended.
There are twenty-three (23) members of Lapu-Lapu 2 Group and another member who benefitted is Marcelina Mayong, 67 years old.
Marcelina has to make a living as she stands independently. A sari-sari (mini-grocery) store selling a few products is where she sources out her daily living. Everything has almost gone as the ground shook. The store was affected and the products were fully used since she and her son’s family has to consume immediate goods. Relief goods poured over them and she was so thankful for it. But, she prayed nothing else but to have her sari-sari store rise again.
“The store was all I got. With the millions of help- goods and activities, I really thanked those who shared their blessings. But in the long run, the store can sustain and provide our daily needs.” she said.
A smile deeply rooted from an overwhelmed heart showed on her face as she saw cash in her hands. During the assessment, she conveyed that she is planning to re-establish her store by buying groceries. Finally, the project made her content and happy.
“My prayer was really answered. Through this project, I can now continue doing my interest in running the store and gaining from it. This is the only way where I can also share something to my son, Randy and his family, since they are all I have. We have been helping each other since then until now, despite this crisis we face.” she concluded.
The project really paved way for two resilient lives. Through the lens of sclr, many people were able to pick themselves up. The art of localization as it was applied, gave hope to the communities that their capacity to be resilient by their own was recognized and maximized. Throughout, the survivor’s actions and initiatives were acknowledged just like the testimony of Randy and her mother Marcelina who keep overcoming challenges, both the quake and outbreak, but still ended up victors.
