| Barrio ng Bundok Guerahon by: Sandra Suarez-Reyes |
It was in March 2002 that Rey and I first set our feet in the mountain the elders call "Guerahon". Located in Barangay Labas Pagsama, San Isidro, Medina, Misamis Oriental. We immediately knew in our hearts that this would be the perfect place for our future home - beautifully close to nature; trees, grass, birds, bright stars and cool, chilly breeze. At first, the thought of having to live away from "civilization" frightened me. My life has always been people-oriented, where being dignified, or rather "sosyal" was a requirement. But then, the other half of me has always been curious of what lies beside, beyond and beneath. Medina is home to Rey and that served enough consolation and comfort. The mountains just overwhelmed me. The barangay derived its name from 3 other barangays on the way up. La Union, Balakbakan and San Isidro, thus LaBaS, "Put together" in Visayan is Pagsama, hence LaBaS Pagsama. It is the lowest-class barangay in the entire Municipality of Medina. Farming is the main source of livelihood, unfortunately, their resources are very minimal. Coconut and banana trees abound, however, many who toil do not own the land. Since we had to rid our area of grass and wild plants, finding people to do so was not at all difficult. it took us just a couple of days to hire approximately 80 people who found a source of livelihood to feed their families. They were divided into groups, each having their own set of responsibilities and were required to work eight hours a day in their yellow and green uniforms - something familiar to many in the civilized commercial world. Nonetheless, they had tears of joy in their puzzled eyes. To them, hope had finally come into their lives, on the other hand, their humility had inspired me. Almost instantly, I felt that need to reach out and care for them. On my mind, discipline was needed the most. Rules governed the area: cleanliness, no cigarette butts or trash anywhere inside the compound, courtesy, punctuality, productivity and self-respect. t was no easy task. To start with, language served a barrier. However difficult it is, thanks to Rey (who is my interpreter and fluent in Visayan, the fact is, I call him "bisdak" - bisayang daku), the problem has been solved. They are now learning to speak in Tagalog or English yes...no...maybe...not sure...I think so....have a seat... Oh yes, they're getting there! During our first few trips to the mountain people would stare at us, like aliens from outer space. Believing I was an "engkanta", the children would refuse to approach me or more often would run away from me. To them, fair-skinned people are fairies or leprechauns. I have convinced them that dark-haired fairies bring good luck, thus a wonderful friendship prospered. The mountain area, of which is forestland, has been denuded since the 70's. There remains a few patches of trees, which I intend to protect. Trees have always calmed my spirit, a soft-spot in my heart. I grew up climbing trees in Singapore, Cebu and Paranaque. Narra, Mahogany, Pine and Gmelina, Mango, Jackfruit, Marang and Lemon trees have now been planted. Too bad a typhoon hit the southern Philippines in August 2002. The winds were so powerful and violent. Surely, it served a good lesson. Never underestimate nature's fury. The roads were dreadfully muddy, creeks overflowing, roofs flying and sadly, some of my trees were uprooted. The most pitiful sight was the barangays little chapel. Its foundation collapsed and wooden walls shattered into pieces... then there was nothing. We easily convinced the workers to pull our resources together and re-build the chapel. So one September weekend, in the spirit of "bayanihan" the chapel was up again. Pride, honor and respect have started to fill that emptiness they once had. Regrettably, finding a priest for Sunday mass is the most difficult thing to do. In over a year, I have, but once, seen a priest celebrate mass. So far, it is the elders of the community who gather their flock to worship. It is for this reason, we distributed Visayan Bibles to all families under our employ and set a day each week for Bible Class under a Lutheran Pastor with the hope to lead them to better understand the "Spirit". Little did I know, the "mababang paaralan", grade school of Labas Pagsama was another neglected matter. I discovered that children between the ages 5 to 12 shared the same classroom, had the same lessons and one teacher. A hero to my mind! Regrettably, during rainy season, the teacher dares not to climb the mountain. Solution? Run for help, which I did. To friends, schoolmates, neighbors - confirming the beauty of the Filipino spirit is its generosity. I received numerous and positive responses and presently continue to receive reading and school materials for these children. I am hoping that by mid-September, we would be able to put up a decent library for their needs. As Valle de Vida continues to grow, so shall Barangay Labas Pagsama. I envision that someday soon, our government would come to help and not resort to tactics, intimidation, and harrassment. Peace would only come into each Filipino home when fathers feed their children with proper meals and support them with decent education, when families toil their own soil, and the "GOOD" spirit reigns in everyones heart. That dream is not far away. |
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| Often clouds come to kiss the mountains. Waterfalls abound in Bundok Guerahon. |
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| An inspiring sunset with a view of Magsaysay and Butuan City. |
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| On a clear day one feels the cool breeze and enjoys a scenic view of Gingoog City |
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| Bayanihan amongst neighbors to rebuild the fallen chapel. |
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| Materials transported by feet. See the fantastic view behind. |
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| My young neighbors |
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