It's a Wrap

For three days, a video crew from Manila visited different project sites of JFPR 9175 to cover the progress and gather compelling stories from our local community partners. Joining them, we visited the municipalities of Basey, Balangiga, Guiuan, Hernani, Salcedo and Burauen. Going around to the different barangays with them, I realized that it wasn't too difficult to gather good stories. Moreso, stories were abundant that some we could not accommodate this time.

Of the different areas we visited, if I were to pick only three highlights I would choose the following:

1. Salcedo National High School


Yolanda, as we know, spared nothing--not even the schools. Salcedo National High School is just one of many schools severely devastated by the supertyphoon, but unlike most schools, it is denied of assistance for rehabilitation because of its location. Salcedo National High School unfortunately is located in a No Build Zone. As such, despite all the efforts of the school administration, no governtment and non-government agency would extend its help thinking that assistance shall only go to waste if another calamity hits the area. These were the sentiments of the principal we interviewed. But as she shared the story of her school, the joy she feels is uncontainable. It was Plan through the funding of JFPR that allowed SNHS to seek relocation to a safer ground and received assistance for construction of 15 classrooms. Although it may take a few months until the start of construction, teachers and students alike are excited for the new school site.

2. Reuffa Oronos, CDF

Reuffa, as I personally know her, is a very passionate and committed Community Development Worker. She can light up the room with her bubbly personality, so when I first met her I did not notice that she was a Person with Disability. I guess that's a good thing because it reflects her personality that she is not limited nor defined by her disabilities. Moreso, she is more than her disabilities. She is a person who endures every challenge that comes her way, truly an inspiring and hardworking person.

3. Demo Farm at Barangay Buri, Burauen

The rain was pouring on the third day. I was keeping my fingers crossed hoping that the weather would get better. Unfortunately, the sun remained behind the clouds and there were intermitent rainfall. Despite the glommy weather, when we visited the Demo Farm, we saw many local community partners wearing their uniform and doing their work. Together as one group, they prepared the land for planting and even had some lands planted with vegetables together. It was a sight to see--everyone working together wtih one goal in mind.


These are just three of many stories inspiring stories in the communities.

Behind the scene: