A brush with hope
In San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, 48-year-old Rene Agraviador, Jr. embodies strength and creativity in the face of adversity. Living with the effect of polio since he was just 11 months old, he has faced numerous challenges throughout his life. Yet, rather than allowing these struggles to define him, he has channeled his experiences into art and public service, where he found strength and purpose.
This holiday season, Rene eagerly volunteered for Habitat Philippines’ Cards for Homes campaign by drawing his dreams and wishes for a greeting card. His artwork, titled “My dream holiday puzzle,” shows interconnected puzzle pieces, each representing his hopes for his family.
Interpreting his artwork, Rene narrates, “I dream that one day, my family can have a home filled with love, happiness, adventures, good health, and peace. Habitat for Humanity has given me the opportunity to fulfill that dream.” He adds, “I also wish everyone will enjoy life to the fullest and live in a world without fear.”
Working in the local government’s Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office, Rene is a future homeowner under the Negros Occidental Impact 2025 (NOI25) Project in San Carlos City. He lives with his wife, two kids, and his parents while he waits for the houses to be completed. As he witnesses the construction of homes in the community where his family will soon live, his excitement and gratitude show in his perseverance to complete the sweat equity.
“I was joyous when I learned we could have our own home. I attend Habitat Philippines’ weekly seminars for homeowners and help clean the community while the construction workers build our houses,” narrated Rene.
Growing up, Rene faced bullying as a child due to his condition. But with the unwavering support of his family and friends, he found the courage to navigate through the difficulties and inspiration to pursue his passion for art.
Aside from drawing and painting, Rene also does digital arts, graphic design, logo-making, and pot designs for succulents. For Rene, art is a way to express his emotions, relieve stress, illustrate his experiences, and manifest his vision of a better future. This was showcased in his artwork that won third place in the 2022 Habit-ART competition, where he demonstrated how empowering and enriching communities can help them conquer challenges.
“I feel happy whenever I finish an artwork. Being able to express my feelings through painting lifts my spirit,” said Rene, who draws inspiration from his family.
As the yuletide season approaches, Rene dreams of celebrating it with his whole family under one roof—a rare occasion due to the busy lives of his siblings. He hopes that this year, he’ll be able to spend the holidays with them now that their family is getting bigger.
“When we were young, me and my siblings would exchange gifts. Our family would have a simple Noche Buena and games. Sometimes, we would even go to the beach after celebrating Christmas,” reminisced Rene, adding, “For me, spending the holidays with a complete family makes it even more joyful and meaningful.”
Rene’s ultimate wish for this season, which is to finally have his own home, reflects the lifelong wish of millions of other families. To him, a home is more than just a shelter. It symbolizes stability and an opportunity to improve their lives.
“Having a home with your family is such a blessing,” said Rene.
As an artist and a future homeowner under the NOI25 Project, Rene hopes that every stroke of his brush and every glide of his colored pens brings hope closer to every family needing a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.
“Through the Cards for Homes campaign, these greeting cards not only showcase my passion for art but also help families like mine build a better life.”
