'Isang Dekada, Isang Kariton,' dokumentaryo ni Kara David | I-Witness

Summary

This poignant documentary follows Maricel Regala, a woman who, despite living in poverty, opens her heart and home to homeless children, offering them protection and care. The story explores Maricel's selflessness as she navigates life on the streets, caring for children like Tina, Jiv, and Abby. Through their struggles, the film underscores the importance of compassion, education, and community support in overcoming homelessness. The documentary also highlights the systemic issues of poverty and the Filipino government's role in supporting displaced families, ultimately illustrating that a true home is defined by love and care, not just shelter.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maricel Regala, despite her financial struggles, opened her home to children in need, providing shelter and care for those who were homeless.
• 😀 The documentary follows the lives of Maricel and the children she cared for, showcasing their challenges and the love they shared despite difficult circumstances.
• 😀 Maricel believes that kindness and compassion towards others can lead to kindness being returned, as exemplified in her actions over the years.
• 😀 In 2011, Maricel and her family were featured in a program where they received temporary housing support from the government after their story was broadcasted.
• 😀 Although Maricel initially received help from the government, the support ended when the administration changed, and they were forced back onto the streets.
• 😀 Maricel's work involves collecting trash to make ends meet, and she ensures the children she cares for, like Tina, are safe from harm, even if they are not her biological children.
• 😀 Tina, a child under Maricel's care, was abandoned by her biological mother and found safety with Maricel, who treated her as her own.
• 😀 Despite still living in difficult conditions, Maricel continues to care for other children who are in similar situations, demonstrating her enduring kindness and commitment to helping others.
• 😀 Abby and Jiv, two children Maricel cared for, have since grown up, and Abby even started her own small business, highlighting her resilience and progress after years of hardship.
• 😀 The story underscores the importance of community, education, and livelihood in breaking the cycle of poverty, with Maricel’s kindness being central to her role in providing these opportunities to others.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the transcript?

The main focus of the transcript is on Maricel Regala's life and her efforts to help street children despite her own challenging circumstances. It highlights her acts of compassion, survival, and the importance of community support.

How did Maricel first get involved with helping children on the streets?

Maricel first got involved with helping street children when she met and took in several children, such as Jiv and Abby, despite her own struggles. She viewed them as her own and provided them with food, care, and protection.

What was the condition of Maricel's living situation in 2011?

In 2011, Maricel was living in extreme poverty on the streets, without a permanent shelter. She and her children survived by scavenging for recyclables to sell.

What positive change occurred in Maricel's life after her story was shared?

After her story was shared on the Eyewitness program, Maricel received help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which provided her family with a temporary home for several years.

What challenges did Maricel face after receiving housing assistance from the government?

Maricel's housing situation became unstable after the government support ended due to a change in administration. As a result, she and her children had to return to living on the streets.

What does Maricel prioritize with her earnings from scavenging?

With her earnings from scavenging, Maricel prioritizes buying basic necessities like food, water, and sometimes paying for her children's schooling or other essential needs.

How does Maricel's role as a caregiver extend beyond her own children?

Maricel extends her caregiving to other children in need, such as Tina, a child who was abandoned by her biological parents. She takes Tina in and cares for her as if she were her own daughter.

How has Maricel’s caregiving impacted the children she has helped?

Maricel's caregiving has provided stability and love to children like Tina, Jiv, and Abby, who were previously homeless and vulnerable. Her efforts have helped these children grow up in a safer environment, with opportunities for a better future.

What is the significance of the phrase 'When you are kind to others, kindness will return to you' in Maricel's life?

This phrase encapsulates Maricel's belief in the power of kindness and compassion. She has experienced this firsthand, as the kindness she has shown to others has led to positive changes in her own life and in the lives of the children she has helped.

What is the state of the children Maricel once cared for, like Abby and Jiv, 12 years later?

Twelve years later, Abby and Jiv have moved away from the streets and are now working, with Abby even running a small store. They are no longer homeless and have a more stable life, with Abby proud of the progress she has made despite the hardships.