“There is no greater reward than working from your heart and making a difference in the world.”
– Carlos Santana

The story of impoverished Filipinos being taken advantage or displaced from their homes by powerful landowners is a tale that has been told time and time again. It is the unfortunate reality of residents of Sitio Talisay in Zambales.

It’s not just the people in that community who have lived the majority of their lives in Sitio Talisay; their ancestors thrived in it too. According to the residents, their recent displacement is unprecedented: as community elders put it, nobody has claimed the land for a very long time. This information provided little comfort for the residents.

Brgy. Captain Ronald Duran says that the case for the land’s ownership was put on hold due to negotations netween human rights advocates, the local police, and the landowners themselves. Even with these conversations, landholders successfully reclaimed the land last April 17 resulting in the demolition and displacement of 52 households and leaving 100 families in a dire situation.

A call for swift help and donation drive was spearheaded by the Sangguniang Kabataan of nearby Brgy. Camiing to allocate donations to the affected families. The moment HAPI-Zambales Lead Conveners Van Catayong and Garry Rabang saw this call for action on social media, they were adamant to take part.

Hopefully, initiatives like this will start a stream of aid for the residents so they could continue to fight for their rights without feeling alone in their plight.

HAPI-Zambales were one of the first groups to answer the call and instantly organized an initiative to help the community. Together with the community’s local government unit (LGU) and anonymous online donors, HAPI-Zambales was able to give 155 packs of pancit, steamed rice cakes, and fruit juices to the residents of Sitio Talisay.

These foods were able to give comfort and reprieve to the residents who were constantly worried about where their next meal would come from. The donated meals were not only a symbol of people coming together to bring aid to their situation, but also the kind of difference someone could make in another person’s life. 

HAPI-Zambales extends their heartfelt gratitude and endless appreciation to the people who donated online for their generosity, trust, and genuine care for the community of Sitio Talisay. This donation drive would not have been a success without their helping hands.

“During our site visit, hearing the [resident’s] stories of witnessing the demolition right before their eyes was heartbreaking,” Rabang shared. He added that through help from concerned groups and outreach programs from the LGU, the affected families are now optimistic to get back on their feet.

Hopefully, initiatives like this will start a stream of aid for the residents so they could continue to fight for their rights without feeling alone in their plight.