Who am I to complain?
If you’re reading this story, probably you’re not in Silvino Lobos right now.
Ever wonder how it feels to be in a far-flung, isolated place? Imagine living in a town that even Google Maps could hardly recognize.
Silvino Lobos, a town dubbed as “the promise land” or rather the land full of promises, is situated 29 kms from the main highway of Mondragon, Northern Samar.
Three brave warriors, Aleja Mia “Jam-Jam” Sangrano, GMD Malou Diaz-Arellano and yours truly, courageously faced the wrath of the jeopardus way to the promise land. Curious with our trek-of-a-lifetime? Here you go…
This beyond extraordinary adventure started with a “habal-habal” ride from UEP in Catarman, Northern Samar which made me asking: “How on earth can these people survive with this kind of life?”.
Do you know how much was the fare for this 2 hour ride from Catarman to Silvino Lobos? Breath in… It’s P300 per person!
The biggest challenge upon entering Silvino is the weather condition. Fate will depend on nature, if rain didn’t pour its fury, travel would be easier with at least 2-3 hours of “back ride”. If weather isn’t favorable, an alternative route of a 5-8 hour pump boat ride would be considered. Yes, it’s that awful!
Silvino Lobos is said to be the most deprived town in Northern Samar. For decades, roads and highways has been the outcry of the locals. There’s an insufficient electric supply – only powered by those buzzing generators or the modern solar power.
Water has also been a life-long agony for the people of Silvino Lobos. There’s no source of clean, running water, either you get it from deep well or a water pump.
Toilet has been a major issue in the entire town. Taking a bath is even a huge challenge! In a place where privacy is never the top priority (because survival is the name of the game), I asked myself, when would be the time that these people won’t be deprived of their basic needs?
Technology hasn’t really touched the lives of the locals. There’s NO cellphone signal in the entire Silvino Lobos, thus internet has never reached the promise land. (Can you imagine living without social media?) Believe it or not, for the first time, my phones were on flight mode for four straight days!
This is what it feels like to be in Silvino Lobos. These pictures speak for itself. Did you know what has really caught my attention? This.
This ain’t a garage nor a repair shop. You know what’s this? It’s the CLASSROOM for pre-elemantary/nursery pupils. (Is this even conducive for learning?)
Need I say more? Check the figures and ask yourself… Where is the LOVE?
Since these kids can barely afford (to buy) their own school supplies… Ordinary individuals with BIG hearts, are generous enough to supply their basic needs for their education.
We, the frontliners of the “gift-giving”, were deeply moved, when hundreds of children lined up for two to three hours despite the unstable weather condition. Upon handing over the school supplies, kids were genuinely excited to use them for the upcoming school year. We even passed by some houses where kids were busy writing on their notebooks and papers.
See what happens when these kids aren’t crippled by greedy and ravenous kingpin?
We had the opportunity to visit one of the farthest barangay (Brgy. Camaya-an), and here’s what its like to be there…
And again, did you know what has caught my attention? This.
This is their CHURCH. Yes! Residents from this village told me that this is their place for worship. (And again, may I ask, where is the fund for this village?)
My heart was crushed into pieces after taking a photo of this young, innocent boy.
If you’re reading this, congratulations, you’re fortunately blessed to possess what people from Silvino Lobos have just been dreaming.
So the next time you’ll complain about petty little stuff, think again… Who are we to complain?
blazingpostulation 