Losing Their Home to Road Widening Measures

Recently, the Philippines has been overturned when so many people lost homes and small businesses due to the implementation of the law. There were sidewalk clearings as well as road widening measures in the name of development. #PlsSaveMe

Affected by the Road Widening

Many Filipino families affected by the road widening and clearing of operations of the government have been seen on TV and in the radio.

They lament the loss of their homes and livelihood, especially that so many of them have stayed in the same spot for decades. Moreover, they have begged the owners and the government to help them.

But that is the law of the land. And now that it has been implemented, the public is torn. So much opinion has been thrown out there.

One of those families affected by the road widening is in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Jim and Jane have built their home at the edge of the property owned by Jim’s parents. But it is already outside of the perimeter. Needless to say, the humble abode that they have built from scratch when they got married has to be torn down.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Despite that, Jim and Jane didn’t whine or complain. Instead, they prepared themselves and the kids and packed their bags. Admirably, they are thankful for the years spent there but they also knew that they don’t own the property. And the government wants it back. So they have to let go with grace and their dignity intact.

They have now taken refuge with Jim’s parents while they are trying to raise funds to build another house. Their pastor has offered a space near their church where they can build a new home for their young family. However, they still need extra funds for the expenses that will be incurred in the move. Sadly, they don’t have a penny to their name at the moment.

A Simple Love Story

Jim and Jane met at work. They were part of a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides medical support and livelihood projects in the grassroots level. Their work is in Bacolod City and around Negros Occidental.

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Jane is a registered nurse so she was assigned in the medical department. Meanwhile, Jim handles the livelihood training programs. They started out as friends but Jim was so sure that Jane would be his wife. After only a few months of dating, he asked her to marry him.

Since both of them were working, life was a bit comfortable. Even with the arrival of their first child, Jane recalls that she could still save at least P500 per payday.

Giving Up Her Job

Jane left her job when her daughter turned two. At this time, she observed that her daughter still couldn’t talk. To make it worse, the child would have violent tantrums and would not establish eye contact.

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It was a difficult decision for Jane, however, she also worried about her daughter’s development. So she left her job and became a full-time housewife and mom.

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Financial Troubles Started

At this time, their daughter was still on formula milk and disposable diapers. These two baby products eat up a big chunk of the family budget, so Jane immediately toilet trained her daughter.

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She also learned to plant vegetables in their backyard, applying what they teach to the communities. Their produce helped augment their daily meal requirements.

The Arrival of a Second Child

Since Jim and Jane are not getting any younger, they both decided to try for a second child. It became another trying time for them, as Jane had a difficult pregnancy. She was required to be on bed rest so she could no longer do her gardening.

Additionally, she required medication so that she would not have premature contractions. She also needed to eat fresh fruits and other nutritious food in order to have a healthy pregnancy.

A Principled Man

During these times, Jim’s take-home pay was only P8,500 per month. Jane tried stretching the value of their money as much as she could. They have used up all their savings and she could no longer set aside even just a few hundreds per payday.

When they would be short for a certain period, she is thankful that she could easily cry #PlsSaveMe. Her mother in law would lend her money just so they can get through to the next paycheck. And Jim would make sure that they pay it off as soon as he gets his salary.

Jane says that it’s Jim’s principle to stay away from loans. He doesn’t want to be indebted to anyone, that is why he works hard for his family.

Jim did experience a slight salary increase a couple of years ago, but even the additional income can no longer support the four of them. Thankfully, their second child is being exclusively breastfed, so they have saved much on milk.

The family just lives simply and within their means. There are hardly any luxuries for them, not even family vacations. But sometimes, life has a way of adding more obstacles along your path.

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The Need to Relocate

While they are still struggling with their finances, here comes another challenge–the relocation. Thankfully, the lot is there and they can still salvage some of the materials from their old house. They are also willing and able to do carpentry work. Jane says that it’s actually very fulfilling to be able to give hand in the building of their home.

But they need money to transport their things and also to buy additional construction materials. Right now, they are still in a dilemma. Jim doesn’t want to take out a loan even from the SSS because he worries about the monthly deductions. They still haven’t decided what to do yet.

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Strong in their faith, they just believe that God will provide and see them through this difficult period. So they continue to hope.

Hats off in respect to Jim and Jane!