‘Rattan sa Pusod ng Sierra Madre,’ Dokumentaryo ni Kara David (Full Episode) | I-Witness

Summary

This script follows the journey of Jackelyn, a 14-year-old girl from a remote village in Tanay, Rizal, as she and a group of women venture into the rugged Shera Madre mountains to collect rattan. The arduous trek involves crossing rivers, enduring sharp thorns, and overcoming physical exhaustion. Despite the difficulties, Jackelyn’s determination to support her family, especially her younger sister's graduation, shines through. The story highlights the hardships faced by indigenous communities, their strong work ethic, and the sacrifices made to pursue dreams while prioritizing family needs over personal aspirations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Shera Madre mountain is home to a rare plant hidden by giant thorns, with young people attempting to reach it despite the dangers.
• 😀 The journey to Barangay Ines is difficult due to rough roads, limited jeepneys, and a challenging landscape.
• 😀 The indigenous Dumagat people live in the mountainous regions of Tanay, Rizal, where the rattan vine is harvested.
• 😀 The community values equality, with both women and men working together to climb the mountain and collect rattan.
• 😀 Jackelyn, a 14-year-old girl, is forced to stop her education to support her family, with her father's illness being the primary reason.
• 😀 The climb to gather rattan is physically demanding, with steep, muddy terrain, and multiple river crossings.
• 😀 Rattan collection involves dangerous work, including dealing with sharp thorns and difficult terrain, often resulting in injuries.
• 😀 Despite the hardships, the Dumagat community finds ways to sustain themselves by harvesting and selling rattan, which is then processed for sale.
• 😀 The money earned from the rattan is minimal, and Jackelyn’s earnings, after long hours of hard work, amount to only Php150.
• 😀 Jackelyn prioritizes her siblings' needs over her own dreams, using the little money she earned to support their needs and help fund her younger sister's graduation.
• 😀 Jackelyn dreams of becoming a teacher, but her selflessness and determination to support her family highlight the sacrifices she makes for their well-being.

Q & A

What is the significance of rattan in the lives of the indigenous people featured in the script?

Rattan plays a crucial role in the daily lives of the indigenous people in the community. It is harvested from the forest and used for making baskets, furniture, and other products. The people rely on this trade for their livelihood, despite the difficult and dangerous process of collecting rattan.

What challenges do the villagers face when traveling to the mountain to collect rattan?

The villagers face extremely rough and steep roads that only specialized jeeps can navigate. Additionally, the journey involves dangerous river crossings, difficult mountain climbs, and the constant threat of injury from rattan thorns. The arduous journey is a significant physical and mental challenge.

How does Jackelyn's personal situation reflect the broader struggles of the community?

Jackelyn's story highlights the sacrifices made by young people in the community, particularly in terms of education. Jackelyn was forced to stop her schooling to help care for her sick father and support her family, showcasing the difficult choices faced by children in this rural, poverty-stricken area.

What role does the indigenous culture play in the work of the villagers?

In the indigenous community, men and women are equal partners in the work, including the harvesting of rattan. This communal approach to labor and gender equality is a central aspect of their culture, where everyone, regardless of gender, contributes to the survival of the community.

Why is Jackelyn so determined to collect rattan, despite the hardships?

Jackelyn is motivated by her desire to support her family, particularly her younger sister who is about to graduate. She sees the rattan collection as a means to secure her family's needs, even at the cost of her own dreams and comfort.

How does the process of collecting rattan impact the people physically and emotionally?

The process of collecting rattan is physically taxing and dangerous, with participants enduring sharp thorns and tough terrain. Emotionally, the journey is marked by resilience and determination, as the villagers push through their hardships for the sake of their families and survival.

What is the significance of the rattan's thorns in the collection process?

The thorns of the rattan are a major obstacle in the collection process. They make it difficult to handle and pull the rattan from the trees, often causing painful injuries to the collectors. The thorns also complicate the process of removing the rattan from the trees, requiring significant effort and caution.

What is the financial return from the rattan collection, and how does it affect the villagers?

The financial return from the rattan collection is minimal. For example, Jackelyn earned only Php150 for her efforts, which was used to buy necessities for her sister's graduation. This small amount highlights the low wages the villagers receive for their hard labor, often leaving them with little to cover their basic needs.

How does Jackelyn's personal sacrifice reflect her priorities?

Jackelyn's decision to spend almost all of her earnings on her sister's graduation instead of on herself shows her selflessness and prioritization of her family's needs over her own dreams. This reflects the community's strong family ties and the sacrifices individuals make for the wellbeing of their loved ones.

What does Jackelyn's dream of becoming a teacher symbolize in the context of the story?

Jackelyn's dream of becoming a teacher represents hope and a desire for a better future, both for herself and for others. Despite her difficult circumstances, she still holds on to the hope of achieving something more, reflecting the broader theme of resilience and the pursuit of education in the face of adversity.