During a mission in the Narulang community of Barra in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, I met many people, especially women, who face various problems and hardships. Many of them had difficult childhoods. Their parents couldn’t afford to send them to school because of their poor economic situation. A lot of them were already working from a young age. They worked as helpers, dishwashers in karinderias (small street restaurants or eateries in the Philippines), babysitters, and in other low-paying, physically demanding jobs.
Often, they were treated harshly by their employers and suffered many abuses. For many, the work conditions were heartbreakingly difficult. They couldn’t eat until their work was finished. That meant that if they completed their workload by nighttime, they were only then allowed to eat. Sometimes, they worked all day without rest. Usually, they had to get up very early in the morning for work and go to bed late at night. The worst part is that when their employers beat them, they couldn’t do anything, even if they wanted to run away, because many were just children and helpless in their situation.
Furthermore, the salaries the women received were very low. Many married men who work earn a small wage that is not enough to support their families. Because of this, their wives also want to help, but they find themselves caught in a dilemma because they cannot leave their small children and household chores such as cooking, cleaning, caring for the children, and taking or sending them to school. These women also understand that their motherly care is vital for their children’s growth, and they wish for their children to have better lives than they did.
To respond to the needs of this community, we started a livelihood program called Kahiusan sa mga Lumopoyo sa Narulang (Solidarity with the Residents of Narulang Livelihood Program). This program involves growing and selling various kinds of vegetables. Mothers can’t travel far for work, but they can do this income-generating activity at home. Initially, we provided seeds for seedlings to germinate, which were then transplanted to suitable areas for growth. We conducted numerous capacity-building seminars and supplied additional tools to achieve better harvests. Beneficiaries valued this livelihood initiative, recognizing its positive impact on their families and themselves.
One woman mentioned that her first task each morning, upon waking early, is to check on her garden and her growing vegetables, which brings her joy for the entire day.
The following feedback includes some accounts from the women involved. One woman mentioned that her first task each morning, upon waking early, is to check on her garden and her growing vegetables, which brings her joy for the entire day. Another shared that seeing her vegetables grow makes her feel blessed because, as she spends more time connecting with her plants, she has realized this has helped her heal the wounds of her childhood as an abused child laborer. Simultaneously, it has provided her with a peaceful respite and relief from worrying about her family issues.
More than just gardening, this livelihood program boosted the women’s confidence because it allowed them to interact with others. Occasionally, they approach local authorities in their municipality to seek support for their livelihood projects. Initially, they found it very challenging, but through their group’s regular meetings where they talk and share with each other, they gained the confidence they needed.
Furthermore, this livelihood program helped them earn small amounts of money, providing extra income to support their families and reducing reliance on their husbands’ low salaries. These women are also happy mothers because their children can attend school and eat healthy food.
I was truly grateful to work with the struggling community of Narulang and felt privileged to share in their adventures, challenges and transformation. If we can help even one person and improve that person’s quality of life, it is the greatest gift anyone can give and receive. For me, this has been a blessing from God, and I thank Him for the missionary experience I have had among them.
Columban lay missionary Ana Flores lives and works in the Philippines.
