The morning sunlight peeps over the rolling hills in a vast meadow. Across the terrain, farolas of lighthouse stood tall, serving as long-time aid in navigation. At a distance, the raging crash of the waves rumbles in the vast ocean. A panoramic view where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. The white and cream colored sandy shorelines stretch endlessly, boasting with clear waters and diverse marine life. Every corner of the island paints a picture of beauty, a true definition of nature’s playground. As the wind blows and whispers in his ears, a familiar sense of comfort lingers. The warmth of home, his refuge for the more than four decades, the picturesque Island of Batanes.

The pristine island has been the abode of Patricio Balderas Jr., an Ivatan and a father of three from the town of Uyugan. Over the years, he was accustomed to the usual rustic, laid back, and quiet way of life. He was a former cook in a local restaurant but eventually decided to venture on his own. He prepares home cooked meals and sells it around the neighborhood. Being resilient in nature as it is an innate character of their culture, he goes well wherever the wind takes him.

Not until COVID-19 hit the world in 2020. The secluded island is no exemption as the effects of the imposition of lock downs and banning of tourists took a toll on the community. Patricio’s main source of income eventually halted. His savings were depleted and he could no longer make ends meet.

His resiliency was put to a test again, particularly on a Saturday morning in 2021. The gusts of the wind were unusual, the rumbling of the ocean was unpredictable and the rain poured heavily. Typhoon Kiko has hit the island of Batanes leaving a trail of devastation, toppled power lines, uprooted trees, damaged roads, government facilities and houses. Many houses were beyond repair including that of Patricio’s. The wind continuously blew loose debris from the ruins, including the little hope that was left in him.

Fortunately, on the same month, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 (DSWD FO2) brought relief and opened an opportunity to get him back on track. He was provided with a Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) amounting to P10,000.

He used the grant to purchase raw materials and supplies for his fish processing project, such as sealer, grinder and stocks of dibang (flying fish) and hahay (needle fish). He was able to produce 100 packs of one day old smoked/dried fish and fish lumpia. Per order basis, his wife also makes and sells uved balls, a local delicacy. They earn an average of daily net income of P1, 000.  He also delivers his products within Uyugan and nearby towns of Mahatao.

His steady income supports the daily needs of his family, which he struggled to provide during the onset of pandemic. It also assisted him in sending his three children to school, who are currently enrolled in college taking up Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology and Bachelor in Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Out of his persistence, he fulfilled his dream of rebuilding their own house, that was once damaged by the aftermath of Typhoon Kiko. His project also somehow helped fisher folks in his community, as he purchased their fresh catch on a regular basis.

He is beyond grateful for what the program has given to him; a roof on his head, food on the table; a heart filled with gratitude and an opportunity to start over.

 Like the wind, struggles and hardships come and go. There are days that it will present itself as light breezes that blow gently, but there are days that the raging gusts signify that a storm is about to pass by. It cannot be seen nor cannot be held, but one can feel its force, just like his faith that everything will come to its place at its own time. Now, Patricio is braver than ever, as he is unafraid of where the wind might take him. Despite unpredictable and strong gusts of air, he can now firmly stand his ground, as he is rooted in countless livelihood opportunities, brought to him by DSWD-SLP. ###Written By: Melisen A. Taquiqui, Social Marketing Officer