Kindness is a universal language that can be expressed in countless ways. It doesn’t always have to be grand gestures or expensive gifts. Often, it is the smallest acts of kindness that can make the most significant impact on someone’s life. These small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day, change their outlook, and even inspire them to pay it forward.
In Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), many stories of kindness have emerged of people helping people in their communities.
TO THE RESCUE
While conducting one of our KALAHI-CIDSS activities, I suddenly felt dizzy and began to vomit. The barangay officials and community volunteers quickly came to my aid and took me to the health center to rest. After an hour, they brought me to the Municipal Health Office to ensure my safety and even escorted me all the way home. Until now, I can still vividly remember that moment. I can see the concerned faces of those who helped me. It was truly touching because aside from my family, I felt the care and love from the community that I serve. —Rosalyn Camus, Community Empowerment Facilitator, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro
BORN OUT OF LOVE
In May 2022, while we were in the midst of finalizing documents and implementing a KALAHI-CIDSS project, I gave birth prematurely. It was a traumatic experience because my child did not survive. Despite my grief, I still thought about my work and the potential delays in the project implementation. However, my worries were lessened when I found out that our Technical Facilitator and Municipal Financial Analyst stepped up to lead our team, and everyone worked tirelessly to deliver.
The Barangay Treasurer of Calandagan provided assistance to my family when she learned that I was on leave without pay while recovering. Barangay Tinintinan staff and officials also sent their prayers and words of encouragement. The Araceli Municipal Mayor, Hon. Sue Cudilla, also sent a message of support, wishing me the strength to overcome the challenges that came my way. I will never forget the town of Araceli, and I am forever grateful to all the people who supported me during my lowest time. —Maricon B. Dagaraga, Area Coordinator, Bataraza, Palawan
WEATHER THE STORM
When Typhoon Odette ripped through the Palawan province, the other three (3) KALAHI-CIDSS staff and I were stranded in Brgy. New Canipo, San Vicente. The winds knocked off the houses, cut the electricity, and rapidly depleted the essential supplies in the area. Without a second thought, Barangay Chairperson, Hon. Renan T. Failon, and the local community volunteers brought us to their relocation site, providing us with food and shelter for two (2) days. They even ensured that the roads were clear and safe before allowing us to leave.
This experience taught me the value of building genuine relationships with the people I work with. When you put your heart into what you do, people will trust and support you in times of need. It motivates me to continue serving with gratitude and kindness and always strive to assure that our partners at the municipal and barangay level would feel our sincerity for their community. —Genesis B. Roco, Community Empowerment Facilitator, Aborlan, Palawan
NO ONE SHOWED UP
One Wednesday, I had a busy schedule with appointments in five (5) different barangays to ensure that all their KALAHI-CIDSS project requirements were complete and done on time. After a long day of traveling and consecutive problem-solving discussions, I was physically and mentally exhausted. Worse, when I arrived at the last barangay, I could no longer hold back my tears. I was disheartened to find out that no one showed up except for one Barangay Councilor.
Despite my eagerness to help and the sacrifices I made in the past few months, I felt invisible and inadequate for the job. I retreated to a corner, bowed my head, and blamed myself for what had happened. Suddenly, the Barangay Councilor approached me and patted my back. She told me that she sees me, my hard work, my initiatives, and my sacrifices for their barangay. She then called and urged everyone to participate in the meeting.
This made me realize that there are people who see and appreciate the work that we do. They are the ones who truly trust us and our capabilities, and it encourages me to be more patient and proactive, especially as a public servant in a government office. Now, that barangay is one of the most active in the program. —Teejay Alcantara, Area Coordinator, Lubang, Occidental Mindoro
SURPRISE MEAL
After undergoing a Cesarean section delivery, I was advised to avoid physical activity that could result in the reopening and bleeding of my stitches. Despite the warning, I still did the site validation in an area that involved hiking to various households. On our way back to the jump-off point where we left our motorcycles, the physical toll on my body became apparent. I experienced discomfort and shaking in my knees, along with hunger and thirst.
Eventually, I rode my motorcycle to the Barangay Hall, but my body gave up and I fell off along the way. Fortunately, it was a minor accident, and I was able to continue. Upon arriving at the Brgy. Hall of Mahabang Baybay, San Agustin, Romblon, I was overwhelmed with relief and emotion to learn that they had prepared food and drinks for me. Their thoughtful gesture made me feel valued and appreciated. I realized that although my job can be challenging, the support of our partners such as the barangay makes it more fulfilling and less arduous. —Mechelle E. dela Torre, Area Coordinator, Calatrava, Romblon
RIPPLE EFFECT
During a meeting with all the barangay officials and community volunteers, our team sadly announced that the allotted budget is insufficient for the project they proposed in KALAHI-CIDSS. We explained that the project might not push through. However, the atmosphere changed when a volunteer raised her hand and offered to donate some materials to continue the project. It was heartening to see the volunteer’s willingness to contribute to keep the project going.
Before the team could respond, another volunteer stood up and offered to provide a truck of aggregates, and another volunteered to invite locals to help once a week in the construction to lessen the labor cost.
The community members were eager to collaborate, contribute their own resources and skills, and come together for the benefit of the community. It was a touching scene that I thought was only possible in movies, but it unfolded before my very eyes–a moment that will forever be remembered. —Rachelle Anne Ferran, Technical Facilitator, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro
PAYING IT FORWARD
When I completed the post-review of disbursement vouchers in Brgy. Agpudlos, the Barangay Treasurer kindly offered to assist me in finding a motorcycle to ride back to the office. However, upon checking my wallet, I was dismayed to find out that I did not have enough funds to pay for the ride since I had paid our electricity bill that day. Without hesitation, the treasurer lent me enough money to cover the fare, for which I was grateful.
Although, she always declines my attempts to repay her kindness whenever I visit her. I vowed to myself to pay it forward by doing good deeds for others and helping them, just like how the Brgy. Treasurer had done it for me. —Melanie M. Delos Santos, Municipal Financial Analyst, San Andres, Romblon
FISHBONE
As I opened my eyes, I was momentarily blinded by the bright lights surrounding me. Confused and disoriented, I thought I had passed away. But, as I lifted my head, I quickly realized that I was in a hospital and restrained to the bed. It was my first time in an operating room, where I underwent a surgical procedure to remove a fishbone lodged deeply in my throat.
Being newly deployed in Romblon, I was alone with no family or friends nearby to offer me any assistance. Gladly, my Community Empowerment Facilitator came to visit me and helped me with the necessary paperwork for my hospital bills. She brought me to the Malasakit Center which covered all of my medical expenses.
Additionally, the Municipality of Alcantara’s Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) coordinated with the Rural Health Unit for my immediate pick-up and provided an ambulance from the Local Government Unit as it was already late at night and the hospital was located in another town. Upon my return, the BFP greeted me warmly and treated me to a late dinner.
This experience taught me that even when I am far from home, there are still kind-hearted people who are willing to offer their help and support for free. It reminded me that people are innately good, and kindness and generosity know no boundaries. —Renato V. Mandrique Jr. Area Coordinator, Alcantara, Romblon
BROTHERHOOD
Our Community Empowerment Facilitator, Kuya Ramil, had a cast on his arm due to an accident, making it difficult for him to move. Despite his injury, he showed up for work immediately after the accident. Every day, his brother would drive him to the office and to his scheduled meetings and monitoring in various barangays. Kuya Ramil explained that he couldn’t afford to skip work because it was the busiest phase of the implementation, and he wanted to be hands-on with the project.
Witnessing Kuya Ramil’s undeniable perseverance and his brother’s unconditional love for him, I realized how fortunate I am to be working alongside such compassionate and altruistic individuals. Being part of the KALAHI-CIDSS team is a dream job for me because I share the same aspirations as my colleagues, and we work together to provide genuine and heartfelt service to the people that we serve. —Sheela Mae F. Fosana, Municipal Financial Analyst, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro
