Carinderia to Canteen: Ruby Barnuevo’s Micro-credit Story

It was only three years ago that Mrs. Ruby Barnuevo was still a struggling food vendor in Hacienda Lugway, Silay City. Although cooking was her passion, she struggled to make ends meet for her family. Today, she owns a stall in the canteen of St. Francis of Assisi School of Silay City (SFAS) with the help of Tapulanga Foundation’s micro-credit program.

“The food business has always appealed to me. With the micro-credit loan of the foundation, I don’t have to worry that much about finding capital for my business.” said Mrs. Barnuevo, 43 years old. She lives in Hacienda Lugway, with her husband, Judy and their five children: 3rd year high school student Kyle Dominic, 4th grader Kara Fraancheska, 2nd grader Kier Vincent, and pre-kinder Jude Bryan – all students of SFAS and scholars of the Tapulanga Foundation.

“I loan 6,000 pesos and pay on a weekly basis for two months. It all works out quite well and I get to have extra money at the end of the day for savings. Sometimes my husband helps me out and so does some my children.”

 The low interest rate of 1 percent a month and after two months she is able to renew her loan again makes her livelihood easier and more stable as she always has ready capital for her business.  She plans on adding a new livelihood project since her current business is going well. “I would like to go back to raising pigs since we already have a pigpen at home.” adds Mrs. Barnuevo.

Like the other beneficiaries, micro-credit allows her to support her family and eventually make a difference in her community.

“It’s really nice to get to do what I love –which is cooking –and make a sustainable living out of it. Micro-credit makes all of this possible. I am really thankful.”

Tapulanga for Sendong: The Story of Eddie and Excelenia

Eight months have passed when Typhoon Sendong devastated the city of Iligan and claimed so many lives. This is the story of a family who lost not just their house and their source of livelihood but also family members whose bodies remain unrecovered until this very day.

Eddie and Excelenia have seven children and all of them lived in Purok #5, Bayug, Iligan City.  Their eldest daughter, Edeline, who was married to Mc Jayson Ferolino for nine years and blessed with two sons, Mc Jayssin who was 9 years and Mc Jayvance who was 6, was five months pregnant when the tragedy transpired.  

This is their account. On the night of December 16, 2011, it started to rain. They thought of it as the usual rain that will just stop in a couple of hours so the family retired to sleep past 9:00 p.m.  Around midnight, Edeline and Mc Jayson were awakened by a strong banging on the door (by their parents), alarming them to evacuate as the water in the nearby river overflowed. The grandparents, together with Edeline's family, their other children and grandchildren, evacuated to higher ground unprepared. Having no flashlights or any flotation device, they were just dependent on each other as the water rose up from their knees to their chest. The strong water current sent some members of the family to other directions. Eight of them found themselves on the roof of a relative's house.  

When the house started to collapse, the entire family managed to climb on a coconut tree beside the house while the others held on to a mango tree.  But even the coconut tree was unable to stand the raging waters. The consequent downfall of the tree sent the family in disarray. They were all scattered, each trying to survive. The matriarch, Excelenia, lost her grip on the coconut. She was the first one who fell off the tree together with her other grandchild who managed to cling to her even underwater. Knowing that she can't swim, her husband Eddie swam after her, not knowing if he could still find her in the dark. It was pitch black but he was able to grasp his wife's foot and was very thankful that along with his wife was their 3-year-old grandchild, John Dave, still holding on to her grandmother's leg. 

There was a lot of screaming and crying everywhere – asking for help. The pregnant Edeline was thrown into a pile of logs. Somewhere in the darkness, she can hear one of her child screaming for help, calling her. She was repeatedly hit by "so many debris" as she recalled, mostly branches of trees and even logs. That was the last memory of her dear family as she lost consciousness. It was already morning when she regained consciousness. A neighbor found her and helped her. Two of the children of Excelenia and Eddie were swept by the current to other barangays. They were only reunited in the evacuation center days after. She lost one of her grandchild from her other daughter, Sarah.  Edeline, unfortunately, lost everyone in her family, her two kids and her husband.  Just like what happened to "Ampil" who is her uncle, Edeline, also sank into depression, refusing to eat for months and tried to bury her agony by sleeping. Worried of her daughter and her unborn child, Excelenia and Eddie tried their very best to lift up Edeline's spirit in the midst of very uncomfortable living conditions in the evacuation center for several months as they are awaiting still for their permanent relocation.

Last April 27 of this year, despite all odds, Edeline Lacuna Ferolino gave birth to a 6.14 pounds bouncing baby boy named Mc Jayson Jr., after the name of her late husband. It was an agonizing normal delivery that almost caused Edeline her life. Her blood pressure rose up while she was in labor and the baby was actually overdue so she had to be induced. Thinking of their financial constraints, she strived so hard for a normal delivery still.  The sight of her son, the only tangible reminder of her spouse made everything bearable now for Edeline. Just last month, July 1, Mc Jayson Jr. was baptized in the Catholic rites attended by family members, one of which was Galfer "Ampil" Lasmarias who stood as one of the godfathers and is also one of Tapulanga Foundation's beneficiaries.

Excelenia, Eddie, Edeline and the rest of the family are so grateful for all of the help that the Tapulanga  Foundation has readily extended to them through all the foundation's benefactors. Having received a motorized "pump boat" is like giving them another chance in life. As a fisherman, Manong Eddie's simple dream is to be able to feed his family with his own hands without asking financial assistance from others. Now that he has the fishing boat and fishing net which he made himself, they can now get back on their feet. Also, the financial aid given for  Edeline's delivery is something that she can never forget for the rest of her life. 

Thank you very much to you all!  God bless you all dearly!

Keeping the Promise: Continuing the Legacy

This school year, 2012-2013, is another year of fulfilment for the Tapulanga Foundation as it continues its legacy of educational support to its 260 scholars at the St. Francis of Asisi School of Silay City.

53 Preschool Scholars in Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten

This year's Pre-Kinder scholars exclaimed how they want to be doctors and teachers in the future.

76 Grade 1 to 3 Scholars

“Thank you to my donors,” a smiling Donna Grace Duremdes, Grade 1, said as she shared how she received school supplies from the Tapulanga Foundation in May before classes started.

57 Grade 4 to 6 Scholars

"My parents won't worry over school fees anymore." by Shiela Mae Filipinas, Grade 6

74 Grade 7 to 10 Scholars

Geno, one of the delos Santos twins in Grade 7 says, "I feel blessed because someone is actually supporting me."

Summer activities are conducted every year and Grade 8 student, Caroline Deriada, finds herself lucky for being one of the scholars to enjoy such events.

Some scholars have the following message to the donors of Tapulanga Foundation.

"It's a good that you're helping the less fortunate."  by Aileen Mae Madayag, Grade 6

"We wish you good health and may you be blessed in return."  by Pia Jean Arriola, Grade 8

"I promise to be more disciplined and persevering in my studies."  by Eunice Celestial, Grade 10

Three Twinkling Eyes

The world is a beautiful place, and it may be good to enjoy it with eyes closed, as we relish all kinds of sounds and sensations.   But it would be a lot better to enjoy it with eyes wide open.  And with clear vision.

These three lucky people got a chance to truly appreciate it, with clearer eyesight.  Read their stories below.

The Story of Nica Galvez

One day in the month of October of 2011, 4-year old Nica Galvez, while playing inside their house, got into a fight with her brother.  Her brother threw a pair of small scissors towards her, which accidentally hit her right eye.  She and her parents went to see a doctor the next day and it was discovered that there was an injury in her eye and she needed to have an operation.

With the help of the Tapulanga Foundation, they were able to go to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City for consultations, laboratory exams and even transportation and meals for free as even these two the family could not afford.  Little Nica finally underwent surgery in February of 2012.

Nica, when asked if her eye still hurts, shook her head and said “No.”  When asked if she can see better, she nodded, “Yes.”  Her father, Joey Galvez, had a big smile on his face when he said, “Madamo guid nga salamat sa Tapulanga Foundation.  Wala gid kami nabudlayan kay ara ang Tapulanga.  Mayo guid kay naging successful and opersyon sang bata ko.” (Thank you very much to the Tapulanga Foundation.  We did not experience difficulties because Tapulanga was there to help.  It’s good that my daughter’s operation was successful.)

The Story of Angelo Singson

Angelo Singson is a thirteen year old high school student of the St. Francis of Assisi School.  Angelo loves to read books like Harry Potter’s Sorcerer’s Stone and likes to draw, too.

His eye problem started when he was 11 years old.  He couldn’t see well if he covered his right eye.  He went to see a doctor and it was discovered that he had cataract in his left eye and he had to undergo surgery.

He was referred to the Rotary Foundation, which screened candidates for cataract operation at the Riverside chapel. With the financial support of the Tapulanga Foundation, Angelo was able to travel to Riverside Hospital in Bacolod City, undergo surgery for about an hour there, and acquired medicine (eyedrops) needed for his eye, and go back for checkups.  He underwent surgery very recently (in the month of May 2012).

He said that his eye still hurts a little bit but he said that, during class, he could see the letters written on the blackboard more clearly.  With a shy smile, he said, “Gapasalamat gid ko sang dako kay kung wala ang Tapulanga, indi ko ka kita.”(I am very thankful.  Had it not been for the Tapulanga (Foundation), I wouldn’t be able to see clearly.)

The Story of Ms. Yvette Jaranilla

Ms. Yvette Jaranilla is a new teacher in the high school level in St. Francis of Assisi School.

Ms. Jaranilla sensed a problem with her vision when she was 18 years old and still in college.  She had a hard time reading what was written on the blackboard.  And her vision was starting to become blurry.

She left it alone for a while until it came to a point when about three years later, she had a hard time recognizing faces.  She eventually had a check-up just recently and the doctor discovered she had cataract in the right eye and another was starting to develop in the left one also.   But the doctor did not advise operation because the cataract wasn’t mature enough yet.  So she was advised to wear special eyeglasses with thick lenses to improve her vision.

With the help of the Tapulanga Foundation, she was able to acquire free eyeglasses.  When asked how she felt after putting them on, she gave a big smile and said, “It feels good to have eyeglasses.” She has been using them for a month now and sees a lot more clearly.

She added that she thanks God and the Tapulanga Foundation for an answered prayer because she got the pair of eyeglasses that she really needs.

Tapulanga for Sendong: The Story of Ampil (Part 2)

Tapulanga Foundation launched the Special Appeal for Sendong-Rebuilding Homes and Livelihood Assistance last January 2012.  This appeal aimed to raise funds for the victims of the typhoon.  We are sharing with you a report of the first beneficiary who was given support to make a living for himself and at the same time, rebuild his future.

The first part of the article showed Ampil's life before the faith-challenging event (see http://tapulanga.blogspot.com/2012/06/tapulanga-for-sendong-story-of-ampil.html).  In the second part we share how this event that changed his life forever.

Part 2

Ampil was living a simple life with his family in Iligan City, located in the southern part of the Philippines.

In the morning of December 16, 2011, Ampil’s children were very much excited for the yearly Christmas party in their community.  His children, Ferlie and Galfer, Jr. were talking about Christmas gifts and songs that they were going to sing.  His wife, Julie, who was then the Purok Treasurer, had already collected the money intended for the said party. In the afternoon, the children enjoyed playing with their cousins. At 5 p.m., his kids happily welcomed him and beaming with smiles as he just bought a new dvd player.  Around 8 p.m., the family enjoyed testing their new player as they happily sang Christmas songs even without a microphone.  Galfer, Jr. enjoyed the most as he even refused to sleep until the family went to bed past 10 p.m. already.

At around midnight, Ampil’s family was awakened by a great pounding on their wall and someone yelling, “Wake up! The river has overflowed!”  The water was already up to their knees so they hurriedly went to his in-law’s house which was not far from theirs.  He even went back and tried to save whatever he could from the flood, moving up his appliances to higher areas in the house thinking that the flood would not be that strong.  Soon enough, he realized that it was futile.  He went back to his in-law’s place thinking that his whole family was still there.  He was told by his wife’s uncle and aunt that Julie (Ampil’s wife) and his daughter transferred to his cousin’s house nearby.

Finding their way in the dark with only a few people having flashlights was very difficult. With his son, they tried to follow the others but was unsuccessful because the water was already chest high and the current was very strong.  Voices of children and adults could be heard all around asking for help.  They sounded powerless over the monstrous water.  His 3 year old little boy was in his arms crying, when the water rose up to cover the roof where they had climbed up to.  While he struggled to keep himself alive for his son, the fear of losing him kept him strong and hopeful even as they were both swept into the open sea.  He had witnessed the voice of his son slowly fading away.  He did not lose his grip on his son even when the boy wasn’t talking to him anymore.  He was thinking, “Junior might be dead. Nevertheless, I will not give up on him.”  In the dark of the night, Ampil tried to resuscitate his son on top of a log.  Not long after, they were swept again by the raging water.  He lost his grip on his son’s lifeless body.  He tried to swim under the water and recover his son but to no avail.  Logs and other unknown debris hit him everywhere in his body and almost cost him his very own life.  His body was literally black and blue when he was rescued.

Losing everything that you have is painful but facing the reality of death of your whole family was just too much to bear.  There wasn’t a day in the months after that Ampil was not crying over the death of his family. He made every effort going from every morgue, hospital, and other places, in and outside of the city just to find the bodies of his wife, daughter and son.  To be the only one alive in his family left him so guilty of being alive and breathing.  There is no amount of words that we could utter to ease his pain but it is only through the grace of God that Ampil is now moving on with his life.

Ampil may not have fully accepted the fate of his family yet, but one thing is for sure, when he received the tools and equipment that Tapulanga Foundation gave him, a smile was brought to his face that his family has not seen after the tragedy.

With the tools, he is now slowly regaining a happy disposition in life.  He has been accepting repair jobs to keep himself busy.  As of now he is still pre-occupied with the paper work for his family's death claims.  He dreams that once he has a stable job, he could save enough money to go abroad and become an overseas worker. He believes working abroad could somehow relieve his painful past and help rebuild his family's future (parents/siblings), for them to move on also.


To all the donors of the Special Appeal for Sendong-Rebuilding Homes and Livelihood Assistance, thank you so much for your generosity and prayers as well.

Tapulanga for Sendong: The Story of Ampil (Part 1)

 

Tapulanga Foundation launched the Special Appeal for Sendong-Rebuilding Homes and Livelihood Assistance last January 2012.  This appeal aimed to raise funds for the victims of the typhoon.  We are sharing with you a report of the first beneficiary who was given support to make a living for himself and at the same time, rebuild his future.

This is an article in two parts.  The first part will show us the life of this man before the faith-challenging event occurred in his life.  The second part will describe how he went through this challenge and got through it at the end.

Part 1

This is a glimpse of the life of Ampil before Typhoon Sendong hit the place that he lived at the most joyous time of the year.  Iligan City, located in the southern of the Philippines, was submerged in water.  An alarming number of lives were lost, some of whose bodies were never recovered. 

SURVIVING THE RAIN AND SEEING THE RAINBOW

Galfer Hora Lasmarias, also known as “Ampil” is a 30 year old refrigeration and air-conditioning technician.  He got married to Julie Rina Kundiman 12 years ago (June 2000) when she was 29 years old.  They've been blessed with two beautiful children --- Ferlie, who had been 10 years old and in her 4th grade and Galfer Jr. who had been 3 years old.  They enjoyed living a simple life in their own house situated in Bayug, a small island within the vicinity of Iligan City. 

Coming from a close-knit family brood of 13, Ampil valued his family more than anything else.  He knew how to persevere in times of great need.  Being the breadwinner, he was a hardworking father, devoting all his time to his dear family and to his work.  He earned a meager salary of P6,000 a month.  To sustain his family, he made sure to do extra work or “sideline” even if it meant doing it on Saturdays and Sundays, repairing broken refrigerators and airconditioning units which gave him an extra income of P4,000 to P5,000 a month depending on his clients’ generosity. 

Everything had been going well for him, it seemed.  He was already contented with what he had: a loving and supportive wife, two precious kids, a roof over their heads, and a steady income enough for them to live a decent life. But everything in his world turned upside down in the early morning of December 17, 2011 when Typhoon Sendong hit the city, flooding the whole island where they lived.

In the morning of December 16, the day before the devastating event changed the course of his life, his children were very  excited about the upcoming yearly Christmas Party in their community.  Ferlie and Galfer Jr. were talking about Christmas gifts and songs that they were going to sing.  Julie, who was then the Purok Treasurer, had already collected the money intended for the party.  Nothing unusual happened that day.  In the afternoon, the children enjoyed playing with their cousins.  At about 5 pm, his kids happily welcomed him and beamed with smiles because  he just bought a new “DVD Player,” which they could use to practice singing their Christmas songs.  At 5:30 pm, Galfer started waxing the floor of their house.  At around 8 pm, the family enjoyed testing their new player. They were happily singing Christmas songs without a microphone.  Galfer Jr. must have enjoyed the most because he refused to sleep at around 10 pm. He wanted to watch more of the background scenes in the songs.  Eventually, the family retired to sleep at past 10 pm.

35 Scholars in 35 Days Challenge - Another Success!

It is with great pleasure to report to you that four days before the campaign ended, we were able to reach not only 35 scholars but 60 SCHOLARS! Thank you to all the donors, some of whom we welcome as new donors to the foundation while others are existing donors already who have decided to be more generous by adding another scholar/s to help! Our new donors come from 6 countries all over the world:  U.S.A., Luxembourg, Dubai, Australia and Switzerland and of course, the Philippines.

The new school year opened last Wednesday, June 6, 2012 and all of these kids were very excited and proudly went to school ... thanks to YOU for making this possible!