I-Witness: "Mga Anak ng Pugad Lawin", a documentary by Kara David (with English subtitles)

Summary

The documentary follows the lives of children in Mercedes, Camarines Norte, grappling with malnutrition and poverty. It revisits Angela and Jeremy, whose struggle was highlighted in a previous film. Tragically, Jeremy succumbed to malnutrition. The film exposes the harsh reality of children like Princess, who at two years old, is still unable to walk or stand due to severe malnutrition. It also depicts the daily struggle of families like Baby Jane's, who must sift through a muddy swamp for food when resources are scarce. The documentary is a stark portrayal of the ongoing battle against malnutrition in the region.

Takeaways

• 😢 The documentary maker revisits a painful past, having previously met Angela and Jeremy, children forced to live with severely malnourished bodies.
• 🏚️ Upon returning to the town of Mercedes, Camarines Norte, the filmmaker discovers that Angela has died but Jeremy is still alive.
• 📌 The town of Mercedes has the highest number of malnourished children in the entire Camarines Norte.
• 🥺 The situation of malnutrition remains dire, with children like Princess struggling to walk or stand due to severe malnutrition.
• 🍽️ Families face extreme food scarcity, resorting to eating spoiled food and hiding portions for future meals.
• 💰 Economic hardship is a significant factor, with families barely making ends meet and struggling to afford basic necessities.
• 🌊 Fishermen like Rodel risk their lives in treacherous waters to provide for their families, despite the dangers of storms.
• 🏥 Health and sanitation are critical issues, with malnutrition and parasitism rampant among children.
• 📊 The documentary highlights the stark reality that out of every 10 children in Mercedes, one is severely malnourished.
• 📚 Despite their circumstances, children like Ashley are determined to attend school and dream of a better future.

Q & A

What was the documentary about?

The documentary focused on the harsh living conditions of children named Angela and Jeremy, who were struggling to survive despite being malnourished and having skin issues.

What happened to Angela after the documentary was released?

Angela passed away a few days after the documentary was released.

What was the condition of Jeremy when the documentary was made?

Jeremy was alive when the documentary was made, but he was suffering from malnutrition and had a very thin body.

Where is the town of Mercedes located?

Mercedes is located in Camarines Norte.

What was the situation like in Mercedes in terms of child malnutrition?

Mercedes had the highest number of malnourished children in the entire Camarines Norte.

What was the living condition of Princess, a two-year-old girl mentioned in the script?

Princess was unable to walk or stand, and her body was almost deformed due to malnutrition.

What was the typical meal for the children in the script?

The typical meal for the children was rice and fish, but it was often insufficient and sometimes had to be rationed.

What was the main source of income for Baby Jane's family?

The main source of income for Baby Jane's family was her husband's earnings from fishing.

What was the outcome of Rodel's fishing trip mentioned in the script?

Rodel's fishing trip was unsuccessful, as he only caught three small fish despite the dangerous weather conditions.

What health issues did Dr. Henry Moreno identify in the children?

Dr. Henry Moreno identified malnutrition, parasitism, and possible tuberculosis in the children. He also expressed concern about Ashley's rapid heart rate, indicating a lack of oxygenation.

What was Ashley's dream mentioned in the script?

Ashley's dream was to become a doctor.

What was the situation with the children's health and sanitation in Pugadlawin?

The children in Pugadlawin were not only facing poverty and malnutrition but also issues with health and sanitation. Many had parasites, and the environment was dirty, which could lead to further health complications.