Imagine yourself in a place far from this fast-paced world–a world where everything is either unfamiliar or unknown. How would you feel going to a place you’d only heard about? How will you deal with people when all of them are strangers to you?

It’s like swimming alone in a vast ocean.

Other side of Sierra Madre

The towns of Palanan, Maconacon, and Divilacan are found in the coastal area of the Province of Isabela. They may be accessed either by plane or by crossing the mighty mountain range of Sierra Madre.

These towns are recognized for various fascinating beaches and breathtaking views. The towns were situated facing the Pacific Ocean opposite Benham Rise. It has rich coral reefs and deep seas swarming with bizarre marine life.  During summer, humpback whales from Antarctica usually side cruise less than a mile from the shore.

But behind the wonderful qualities of these towns lie the hidden face of poverty.

Listahanan at work

Two Listahahanan staff, John Gerald Pagaling and Carlina Joy Narag, was summoned to conduct the household assessment in the towns of Palanan, Maconacon, and Divilacan.

With only hearsays and little information from the internet, Carlina bravely went to Palanan while Gerald courageously went to Maconacon and Divilacan. Unsure of the situation they’re going to face, the two separately flew in their assigned destination.

The household assessment is part of the Validation Phase of Listahanan which secures the veracity of result of the whole round of assessment.

Lessons Learned

            The value of life isn’t always realized in the comfort zone. It is more appreciated when the eyes witnessed the worst things anyone could ever imagine.

“Nakakaawa sila. Hindi naman sila tamad pero talagang sobrang hirap ng buhay nila. Dun sa isang pamilya na napuntahan ko, kapag wala daw trabaho sa bukid at walang huli sa pangingisda ng tatlong araw, tatlong araw din silang hindi kakain. Itutulog na lang daw nila ang gutom.” Gerald emotionally recalled.

“Buti na lang at narating natin sila. At least mas may pag-asang matulungan sila. Kung makikita mo ang sitwasyon nila at maririnig mo ang mga hinaing nila, maiiyak ka talaga. Kasi kawawa talaga sila.” He added.

Work is work

            Despite the criticisms on the project, Listahanan continues to do its main function: to identify who and where the poor are in this country.

Through this targeting system, the concern of the leakage or the inclusion of non-poor and deprivation or the exclusion of poor on the social protection programs and services is addressed.

But for the NHTU staff, every day is a new learning curve. And every day is a privilege not only to work but a chance to give the deserving people a higher opportunity to be served by the government.### By: Margarette B. Galimba, Administrative Assistant III/Listahanan IO