A treasured wealth
For 16 years, Tessie and her family lived in informal settlements at Barangay Mambulac in Silay City. She could still vividly remember how their old community looked - adjacent flimsy houses, a narrow alleyway, and a one-way exit. But what bothered them most was the fear of a disaster waiting to happen.
“Our house looked like it would collapse anytime because a bamboo post broke. We had to improvise a stand to keep it from falling apart,” recalled Tessie, adding, “Every time there’s a strong wind, we worried about the coconut tree that might knock over our house. Our place was also prone to calamities like fire and flood.”
In October 2013, a fire broke out in their neighborhood. It was a blessing that Tessie’s house was spared because the firefighters were quick to rain on their house before the fire could reach them. But she saw their neighbors' houses turned into ashes. She never wanted to experience that again, so when her mother-in-law told her about a housing project from the local government, Tessie did not hesitate to apply for it.
Thinking about it now, Tessie cannot help but be emotional, saying, “I was grateful that we were given this opportunity. Leaving that neighborhood and being part of this project lifted a burden off our shoulders."
Like other families who had the opportunity to have a cement-bamboo frame home through the Negros Occidental Impact 2025 Project, Tessie’s family had to complete a 400-hour sweat equity. Since her husband had to work as a tricycle driver, she had to do the activities, which were mostly construction and administrative work. It was quite difficult for Tessie but she was happy to work hard for it.
When the time came for the raffle of housing units, Tessie’s family could not contain their happiness. They were even more delighted to get a corner lot, which meant they would have more space to turn into a mini garden.
“I was excited to move in. The feeling of having a real home of our own was indescribable. Finally, we don’t have to endure a leaking roof and catch pails of rainwater anymore,” she beamed, adding, “My children were happy. It’s a beautiful house.”
Tessie’s family moved into their new home in November 2021. But just barely a month after, Typhoon Rai (local name: Odette) struck the province of Negros Occidental. Thankfully, the families were safe in the community.
“We barely felt the typhoon. It’s like we didn’t experience it,” said Tessie, adding, “We slept soundly through it.
Spending three years in their home now, Tessie’s family continues to improve it by placing cozy furniture, putting up colorful decorations, and surrounding it with plants. Their home is full of life and vibrant hues, far from the gloomy place they used to live in. The framed achievements of her three children outshine all those aesthetic pieces, and in the middle of those frames was a Certificate of Homeownership, reminding them of the blessing they received.
“This home is our wealth. We helped build it, and we treasure it,” she said, adding, “We’re happy here. It’s peaceful, and it’s far from danger and trouble.”
