‍Sitio Tigbaw, a remote Indigenous community in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, faces numerous challenges in its quest for survival.

The community’s primary concern is securing necessities like potable water and food. The red soil lacks essential nutrients, hindering plant growth and limiting poultry cultivation due to its limited resources.

The daily lives of the approximately 30 households of the Talaandig tribe, comprising around 200 residents, are characterized by limited access to food and water. Fetching clean water from mountain springs consumes hours daily, leaving them susceptible to waterborne diseases. Healthcare remains an unattainable dream. Moreover, the inherent dangers of the mountain environment pose additional risks to their well-being.

Medical missions are sporadic, leaving illnesses untreated and malnutrition unaddressed. Children grow weak without regular checkups, their bellies distended by bacteria from bare feet. Parents struggle without access to medicine, while the elderly endure their conditions in silence.

One resident’s poignant recollection encapsulates the frustration and helplessness they faced:

“They promised to return monthly to check the children’s health, but they never came. Our children grew weaker, and we were left with no choice but to wait.”

Despite these hardships, Sitio Tigbaw demonstrates remarkable resilience. Children frolic along dirt paths, families gather around simple meals, and neighbors lend a helping hand. Their resilience is a testament to generations of survival in the mountains.

However, the community’s journey towards a better life took a turning point when help finally reached Sitio Tigbaw.

Through the collective efforts of UNTV’s Serbisyong Bayanihan, the Members Church of God International, community volunteers, and local government units, Sitio Tigbaw received vital assistance. Residents received medical and dental services, shared meals, and access to essential medicines that significantly improved their daily lives.

Beyond immediate relief, lasting solutions were implemented to transform their daily routines. Solar lights illuminated their homes at night, while a water hose system made clean water easily accessible throughout the community. These improvements alleviated their daily burdens and instilled a renewed sense of hope.

More than promises

Sitio Tigbaw’s needs transcend one-time charity; they require a sustained commitment. Their story is not about grand gestures; it is about listening to communities that have been overlooked, respecting their voices, and establishing pathways for sustainable support.

A call for inclusion

Sitio Tigbaw serves as a reminder of a fundamental truth: no Filipino should be too distant, impoverished, or isolated to access healthcare, food, water, and light. Their voices resonate with a call for attention, not just today but in the years to come.

‍To witness their journey and hear the voices of Sitio Tigbaw, watch the special feature of Serbisyong Bayanihan.