About a decade ago, we met Rhodora and her family in Hinigaran, a seaside community in Negros Occidental. Rhodora received a sewing machine through Project Joseph which provides the needed tools to people who are willing and able to earn a living. Shortly after that, her husband, Gary, received a motorized fishing boat through the Peter Project. The family members worked hard and supported one another. In addition to earning from her sewing projects, Rhodora sold the fish Gary caught. Gabriel, their eldest child, even learned to use the sewing machine so he could help his mother with her orders. Gabriel also started working odd jobs. He turned his earnings over to his father who used the funds to improve his boat. With these improvements, Gary was able to fish in deeper waters and bring home a bigger catch.
We saw the family’s life improve over the years. For instance, they built a sturdier home to replace the shack they were living in when we first met them. And Gary built newer nets so he could catch crabs in addition to fish. During the pandemic, it was not so easy to stay in touch with the families we serve. However, we were able to contact Rhodora and she and a few other sewers volunteered to sew PPEs for medical personnel in Bacolod.
NVC’s April 23 Feeding Force Project took NVC back to the shores of Hinigaran. We distributed fresh produce and bread to 197 families of fisherfolk, including the family of Gary and Rhodora. Because of the high prices of diesel, it became very difficult for fishermen to take their boats out to sea.
NVC President Millie Kilayko got to chat with Rhodora and Gabriel that day. Gabriel is now a student in Maritime School who dreams of being a Chief Engineer someday. While wearing his uniform, he gamely posed in his father’s boat as he did when we turned the boat over to the family.
Ms. Millie learned that Gary’s boat engine needs constant repairs and can no longer bring him to deep waters. Because of that, Rhodora stepped up and began making and selling bukayo (coconut candy) to earn extra money. However, she shared that sewing projects bring in better money than bukayo. Unfortunately, the sewing machine which served her well for many years broke, and repairs would cost more than a new machine. Gabriel continues to do odd jobs but remains focused on his studies. Even though he only has a cell phone instead of a laptop to do his research projects, he still makes the honor roll. That said, told Ms. Millie he wished for a second-hand laptop to make his schoolwork easier.
The news of the family’s challenges broke Ms. Millie’s heart and she promised we would look into ways to help them. In the meantime, she purchased some bukayo from Rhodora and happily reported that it was delicious!
Because knew how much Gabriel needed a laptop, we promised we would look for a second-hand one for him. We also thought of looking for a donor to give him a brand-new one. Luckily, someone from overseas quickly agreed to send over funds for a new laptop. Before we tell Gabriel the good news, he called Alyne, one of our Field Officers. He asked if we could put his father’s needs first. So, we agreed that if we managed to get funds, they would be used to help Gary.
And so, we used the funds meant for Gabriel’s laptop to buy Gary a new boat engine. A few days later, we delivered it to the family. Gary was overjoyed, and so was Gabriel. We were touched to see that he put his father’s needs and feelings before his own. Fortunately, there was good news for Gabriel as well! A member of the NVC family in Manila offered to donate her current laptop to Gabriel. This laptop was used to write many stories and posts for NVC, including this one! The laptop will soon be sent to Negros for Gabriel to use in the coming school year.
The following day, we returned to Hinigaran. This time, we brought a gift for Rhodora. We asked her to open the rear door of our van and there was a brand-new sewing machine just for her. She was so happy, she hugged it.
We still have to deliver Gabriel’s laptop. The donor will just wrap up a few loose ends and will send the laptop Gabriel’s way. We look forward to seeing the family again!
In 2019, we held Bai Bai, Bukid, a Manila-based exhibit of some crafts made by our Artisans of Hope. One of the pieces featured there was this. We named it Rhodora because it was inspired by Rhodora and her family. May they continue to work hard and support each other in the years to come!
