It’s been over a year since the coronavirus wreaked havoc globally, and we’re still struggling to contain it.
In the Philippines, I lost touch with the current plans to prevent infection. There are lockdowns after lockdowns, and quarantine codes kept on changing to the point of it having to bubble up.
While that happens, many people, especially those in daily labor, earning daily wages, experience hardship like no other. But then imagine those even before the pandemic already is in need, struggle to find means, and worried about when and where to get money for food and other essential items for the family.
I started Isang Bata-Isang Tasa, because of what my parents wanted to do for their friends in our neighborhood. My parents are not rich, and we’re even at the middle scale of the middle-class sector of the society. We were brought up not to want more than we have and only what ask for what we need. So, if we have extra, it was not hard for us to share knowing how it feels when you don’t have enough for what you need. The giving was not for the children, in the beginning, it was for the other older people in our neighborhood.
I realized then that it doesn’t cost much to give; if you know that the small contributions you share to them can sustain nourishment for a good whole week or two, it will make you happy. It made my family happy. It’s not a lot but it’s was a start, what more if we can sustain the system of giving and extend support to more than two weeks.
That was when the Isang Bata Isang Tasa movement was born over 12 years ago. In 2008, my family and I started giving during my birthday month in January, sharing what I can with the children in my neighborhood in Baranggay Laram, which eventually evolved to other villages in San Pedro. Now we have some activities in San Miguel, Bulacan.
Now, who would have thought that the Coronavirus would cripple us this long? Stopping us in our tracks, and worst plunging many in despair, and make us feel as if we have no government looking after us. I feel the need is much more, but I am only one person, and the few friends I have who try to share my passion in any way they can.
I am reviving the activities of Isang Bata-Isang Tasa during this time. Targeting the most vulnerable children in my city and beyond. I, with my friends, will try to bridge the food gap they need. We are re-grouping. Planning together with the way we can reach more both resources and children.
We will need partners, those willing to share the little they have. We will need you to open your hearts and share whatever you can.
Visit our website www.isangbata-isangtasa.org and see how you can support. Proceeds will go towards purchasing food items, transport allowance for the children’s medical check-ups, other necessities. You can give us instructions on the items you want to donate, and we will give them under your name.
I will thank you in advance. It’s time for giving and sharing, despite our situation. I believe that when you do that, blessings return to you a hundredth fold especially when done with a generous heart.