AID FOR BASILAN CHILDREN INSPIRES RENEWED HOPE

by: Danilo C. Escabarte


Lamitan, Basilan, Southern Philippines- Scarred by the protracted conflict that rocked the island province, from the fight for secession in 1970s to late 1980s until the much publicized June 2, 2001 Siege of Lamitan town by the terrorists extremist Abu Sayyaf Group ; Basileños have endured violence and longed for that elusive peace to come back.

Its more than seven years now since I set foot where that June 2 nightmare took place to cover the unfolding of events, not to witness violence; but to talk to two children who are scholars of PhilAm Foundation, Inc. in Lamitan. They are students of the Lamitan Central Elementary School at whose gate fronting the St. Peter's Parish Church, parked a destroyed 6x6 M35 military truck hit by a rocket-propelled-grenade (RPG) fired by the Abu Sayyaf Group. That was years ago during the Lamitan Siege. Beverly Samson and Krusheva Caroline Caimoy are now Freshmen in High School. No longer scared but joyful and friendly youngsters. Fear can no longer be seen in their young faces unlike years ago. We talked freely after introducing each other as if we have already met before.


" Of course dili gyud ko kalimut, ningtago mi sa underground sa foxhole tungod sa kahadlok sa pinusilay " (of course I cannot forget, we hide underground in a fox hole because of fear, there was gunbattle, firefight), Beverly said as she recalled her experiences during the siege of their town. "Pagka-ugma ningbakwit mi paingon sa pantalan aron kung magka-inunsa, makalarga mi dayon para Zamboanga", (we evacuated the following day towards the wharf so that if anything happens, we can go to Zamboanga immediately), she added. Zamboanga City is a one-hour boat ride from Lamitan, Southern Philippines. Krusheva Caroline and her family were herded to safety at her aunt's house. "Nakikita ko sa malayo umuusok ang bahay", (I can see from a distance smoke billowing out from a house), referring to burning houses in the vicinity of the church and hospital during the siege.




Several houses were razed to the ground as a result of the siege. The parish church was peppered with machine gun fire destroying the bell tower and seats inside. Several nurses and civilians were taken captives and were added to the hostaged group of American hostages Martin and Gracia Burnham. However, violence did not dampen their interest in going back to school. Weeks later after the siege, they went back to school…although escorted by still worried parents.



POVERTY, A LIGHTER BURDEN NOW

Beverly and Krusheva Caroline endured poverty since childhood. "Kasagaran kung mopalit mi ug school supplies, wala na miy para sud-an", (oftentimes when we will buy school supplies we will no longer have viand during mealtime), Beverly said. Her father is a porter (kargador) in the local wharf while her mother a simple housewife.
"Ako isang uniporme lang sa buong taon. Kung bibili kami ng school supplies, wala na akong pang-recess ilang araw", (I have only one set of uniform for the whole year. If we will buy school supplies it would mean no money during recess time for several days), Krusheva also said. Both were happy when they were among those selected to become scholars of of PhilAm Foundation, Inc. They will receive help through the Aid for Basilan Children or ABC Project. "At least yung pambili namin ng school supplies ay magagamit na para ibili ng pagkain", (at least the money for school supplies could now be used to buy food), Beverly said. "Ang aming uniporme ok na, may pambayad pa kami ng enrollment fee", (our uniform is ok now and we still have money to pay our enrollment fee), Krusheva also added. Under the ABC Project, scholars receive school supplies, uniforms, shoes and enrolment fees.

WINNING GOLD IN MATH COMPETITION Krusheva Caroline and Beverly were not used to joining out-of-school competion that's why they felt nervous when the news came that they will be representing their school in the Division Level Math Competition. During the Science and Math Encampment, Beverly won 1st placer in Math division level competition and Krusheva Caroline also got the 1st place both for Math Puzzle and Math Quizzbee. The latter was held in Isabela City. "Kinabahan ako", (I was nervous), Beverly said. She won over seven competing schools in her category. "My mother was happy upon knowing that I made it to the top while my father cannot believe it", she added. "I was nervous and at the same time eager to know the results, I was happy and thankful", Krusheva said. Both children and the other scholars are being handled by competent teachers who undergone various trainings assisted by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) through the project, complemented with various teaching equipment. "Thank you very much to PhilAm Foundation. I hope they will continue what they started. There are still other children who needed help", Beverly said. "I hope other companies will also help other children like us. There are many children who cannot go to school due to poverty", Krusheva said.
We parted ways, as I bade them goodbye with the hope that we will be seeing each other again someday.

Basilan is such a beautiful island that many tourists visited the place before the outbreak of conflict. Nice sandy white beaches dot the island, and it is also here that the first rubber plantation in the Philippines was established by Dr. James W. Strong, an American.

Beverly and Krusheva represent the other side of Basilan. Children affected by conflict but rose up after a tragedy. Poverty or violence cannot prevent them from pursuing a brighter future now.