A Gift to Last
Rosemarie, a mother of two, was born and raised near a sugarcane plantation in Barangay Bactig, Silay City. She lived with her extended family in a house made of light materials and patched-up galvanized iron sheets. Although the house had enough space for a family of 11, they were constantly worried about being evicted or experiencing a storm.
“We lived near a stream, and the water would overflow when there’s a heavy rain,” Rosemarie described, adding, “There was a time when the water almost washed out our kitchen. It was also pouring inside our house because of the leaks in our roof.”
Rosemarie’s mother learned about a relocation project by the local government for families living in danger zones. Praying this would be the opportunity they had been waiting for, the family did not hesitate to attend the orientation seminars and submit their application. Their prayers were answered, and they qualified for the housing project. Fortunately, Rosemarie secured a separate housing unit, where she and her husband can raise their new family.
Under the Negros Occidental Impact 2025 Project, a housing program created through the Habitat for Humanity-Hilti Foundation partnership, future homeowners contributed their time and effort to help with construction work. Rosemarie’s family put in a 400-hour sweat equity and worked alongside other families to realize a shared dream – having a safe, decent home.
“We were happy to do the sweat equity because we knew we were building our future home,” said Rosemarie. “That was an opportunity of a lifetime.”
Rosemarie would never forget the feeling when she first held the key to their new home, which happened on her husband’s birthday. It was a gift to remember.
“When we first saw our finished house, we were ecstatic. I saw in the faces of my children how excited they were to move into our own home,” remarked Rosemarie while recalling that day with a big smile. “They can now safely play outside.”
Rosemarie’s family of four has been living in the house for three years now and has started improving it. She plans to expand her kitchen and put tiles on their flooring.
Comparing their typhoon experience before to their life now, Rosemarie said, “Now, all you can hear is the wind outside. It's not like before when we were afraid our roof would be blown away. We can trust our roof now. I know we are safe."
Rosemarie’s home is now a sanctuary for her daughters to grow up while their community continues to flourish into a peaceful place to belong. Looking toward a brighter future, she can say from now on, this is where they will grow old and live the life they want.
“Our home is a beautiful gift. We’re fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to live here. We are secure, and my children can live comfortably.”
