In The Eyes of a Survivor
There it was. The place, where they momentarily resided, was filled with various colorful banners screaming for freedom and equality, children were engaged in recreational activities, and traditional music spread throughout the area. Behind their joyful faces was a story needed to be heard. As we walked along the crooked road of the camp, planks and lumbers stood before us and the people, who were mostly from the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, welcomed us with warm smiles. A student-volunteer led us to the station of the Lumad from the Cagayan Valley region.
Photo by Dianne Mariano/THE FOURTH
Photo by Dianne Mariano/THE FOURTH
As we wandered around the site, the smell of nature filled the atmosphere and percussion music played as the natives performed their traditional dances. Upon entering their temporary shelter, a man joined us and shared his experience on what happened to his province.
Mr. Juan “Juaning” Rosendo, adjusted himself on the plank floors, offered his hands as he says, ”Dito kayo, nang marinig niyo ng maiigi yung ikukuwento ko sa inyo,” as he shared his personal experience to the children sitting beside him. Tatay Juaning shared that in Isabela, they built approximately 200 houses, but it was burnt to ground; only 60 houses remained. The land, where they established their homes, was to be used for barangay purposes and was within the vicinity of Isabela State University.
Photo by Dianne Mariano/THE FOURTH
He also said that at around 8pm, a woman gave birth while their house was on fire. His wife was unable to walk due to giving birth and he had no choice but to carry her and their newborn child. Fortunately, they got out and no one was hurt. After the incident, Tatay Juaning, along with his fellow men, built a new home for the family.
After a month, a new system was made. “Kapag kami ay nagbabayanihan, niraratratan nila kami ng mga armalite o pagsabog (bomb threat). Pananakot ng gobyerno ang ginagawa nila sa amin. Noong hindi sila nagtagumpay, sila na nga ang nagpapaputok eh kami pa kamo ang nirereport sa PNP eh wala naman kaming baril,” Tatay Juaning said. Disbelief was evident on his face as he narrated what had happened during those times.
After a week, a new system again was made. Every time somebody goes out—even just to water the fields— the authorities would kill him or her, as easy as killing ants, and no one would even report about it because they were within the compound of ISU, handled by the government. Determination and courage was seen in his eyes as he said: “Pinagtiisan namin ‘yon. Lumaban kami hindi kami natakot,”
There was no solution yet for their land in Isabela. In 2009, however, they sought for advice in the local units of Isabela and the ANAKPAWIS Association. They requested to make their own association called “Amari”, similar to the Matosalem Organization.
In terms of land mass, Region II or the Cagayan Valley, is known to be the second largest province in the Philippines, following MIMAROPA. It is also dubbed as the “Land-grabbing mass of the Philippines”. They are the number one producers of corn and considered as the rice granary of the Philippines. 7 out of 10 farmers do not own private properties because most of the lands were stolen and built into haciendas.
There were kind-hearted students from UP Diliman that Tatay Juaning admire so much. According to him, the students were so kind that they even address their problems to the Department of Agrarian Reform and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Last December, the student volunteers went to Isabela and gave lectures, dance classes, and even organized fun activities for the children.
“Kapag sila ay sumasayaw, ang mga bata din ay sumasayaw, para din bang sila mga tagaMmaynila,” Tatay Juaning said with a smile. When the children would see the students from afar, they would immediately run towards them. At times when there is no available food to eat, they would always come up with something, even if they starve. The students of UP really touched the hearts of the people in Isabela. Tatay Juaning had no clue on how they do it. They would always smile as if they had no problem in the world and what they truly prioritize is helping out their fellow countrymen, who are oppressed by the government.
They refer to Mr. Resonde as “Tatay Juaning” because he is always present and whenever they need him for activities or programs in Isabela, he is just one call away.
