5 #KwentongBABAYEnihan in Subanen communities in Poblacion Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur

BABAYEnihan against COVID-19 has reached Subanen communities in Poblacion Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur!

Lakewood is a 4th class municipality. Most of the Subanen women from here are poor. According to Nilda Mangilay, a woman Timuay or Subanen tribal leader, that most of their members in Thindegan Dlibon Subanen (Dignity of Subanen Women), are working as house helpers for teachers, or other rich families in the town, or as yaya (nannies), labandera (laundry woman), vendors, or street sweepers. With the COVID-19 lockdown, all of them have no work, and therefore no pay. Three weeks into the lockdown, they did not receive anything from the government.  In the 4th week, there was rice distribution from the LGU, but the 4Ps beneficiaries, and senior citizens, were excluded because they were told they have monthly pay-outs, and SC pensions. But up until now, 4Ps beneficiaries have not received their monthly pay-outs, and no social pension for the senior citizens. 

That is why, Nilda Mangilay was so distraught, when she heard President Duterte saying that for those who are caught violating the quarantine, "shoot them dead!"  How can he say that, she asks, when people are already dying of hunger?

Our BABAYEnihan is a small effort to reach out to indigenous women, and with your help, we were able to reach the Subanen women of Lakewood, with just enough to quiet their rumbling stomachs, for now; and to make them feel that they are remembered. 

The members of Thindegan Dlibon Subanen would like to extend their warmest thanks for your support and solidarity. 

Maraming salamat po.  We feel the love.

We will continue to share with you stories and photos when available of how your support has reached our indigenous women partners and their families.