BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
In this remote area of Barangay Tawangan, Kabayan, Benguet lies a small community.
One of the families residing here is Rose’s family.
Their primary livelihood is farming vegetables.
However, no matter how peaceful the place may seem during summer, the risk of landslides is always present during the rainy season.
“It’s really difficult here, sir, because the weather keeps changing. Sometimes the rain is so strong, but for now, it hasn’t poured yet,” said Rose, one of the residents.
To reach the area, one must endure a two-hour drive from the town center.
Although the views along the way are stunning, the roads are riddled with landslides on both sides.
During such times, residents often face hunger, no vegetables to sell, nothing to eat.
“Sometimes, they bring the vegetables to Trinidad, but if no one buys them, they just rot. Life is really hard,” Rose added.
According to Punong Barangay Orlando Molitas, “There are so many problems here, poverty, lack of income, and the constant rains causing landslides.”
These remote areas are what the Raffy Tulfo in Action–Action Center Northern Luzon group, led by George Mendoza Punasen, aims to reach.
George Mendoza Punasen, Head of the Raffy Tulfo in Action–Action Center Northern Luzon, stated, “What the government cannot do, we can try. No matter how far, there’s no distance when it comes to helping.”
During their visit, they brought small gifts from the heart for the residents, including rice, bread, clothing, and more.
Rose expressed, “We’re so happy because you visited us. We’ve seen you, and we also received Christmas gifts.”
“We’re thankful because families like ours, who have almost nothing, now have food to bring home,” said Molintas.
George Punasen’s group aims to spread kindness, even in the smallest ways.
“We call it ‘innayan,’ for instance, don’t steal your neighbor’s crops. This is what they practice in Benguet, and it’s fading. Let’s keep it alive because it’s the DNA of Benguet,” Punasen added.
As the group departed, they carried with them the smiles and gratitude of the residents, who remain hopeful that one day, their situation will improve.
