I-Witness: "Daang Ilog", a documentary by Kara David (full episode)

Summary

The script follows the daily life of children from Sitio Swap, a remote village in Oriental Mindoro, who work as porters, carrying bananas and goods across rivers and mountains to earn a living. Despite their hardships, including dangerous river crossings and limited food, these children display incredible resilience and strength. The narrative also touches on their moments of joy, such as playing on Sundays and enjoying a rare meal of rice. Their struggles highlight the stark contrast between their lives and those of urban dwellers, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of the Mangyan children.

Takeaways

• 😀 The river used to be a key transportation route for early civilizations, but with roads' development, its importance decreased.
• 😀 In remote areas like Sitio Swap, in Oriental Mindoro, the river still serves as a vital transportation route for the indigenous Mangyan people.
• 😀 Children like Ligawon, despite being 14 years old, work as porters, carrying heavy loads such as bananas and nightgowns instead of attending school.
• 😀 Ligawon, despite his young age, is considered the strongest and most intelligent among his peers, showing resilience in both education and work.
• 😀 Children working as porters face physical hardships, carrying heavy sacks for long hours, with their income dependent on the weight they transport.
• 😀 The children struggle with hunger, sometimes only eating bananas as their main food, due to the lack of money for other resources like rice.
• 😀 The lifeboat, used to cross the river, is an essential part of the children's journey, yet it poses significant risks due to swift currents and rocks.
• 😀 Despite the dangers of the river crossing, such as the potential for the lifeboat to puncture, the children are so accustomed to these risks that they face them without hesitation.
• 😀 The Mangyan people’s hard work, including collecting bananas and other goods, is often overlooked in urban areas where these products are easily found in abundance.
• 😀 The children work hard, selling their goods in town for very little money, which often amounts to only a few hundred pesos, a sum that must last them for weeks.
• 😀 Despite the hardships, the children find joy in simple pleasures, such as watching movies or playing, especially on Sundays, when they momentarily forget their burdens.

Q & A

What role do rivers play in the lives of the people in Sitio Swap, Oriental Mindoro?

Rivers act as a vital transportation route for the people in Sitio Swap, especially since the area is remote and difficult to access by conventional roads. The children use lifeboats to transport goods from the mountains to the town, where they are sold.

How do the children in Sitio Swap manage to attend school while also helping their families?

The children, like Ligawon, often miss school to help their families by carrying goods such as bananas and gabi to town. Although they want to study, the need for money and contributing to their family's livelihood often takes priority.

Why is Ligawon described as the strongest and smartest among the children?

Ligawon is recognized as both the physically strongest and the most intelligent of his peers. He handles heavy loads and is also known for his capability in school, despite being neglected by his parents.

What challenges do the children face while transporting goods across the river?

The children face significant physical challenges, including navigating a strong current and avoiding dangerous rocks while crossing the river. Despite the risk, they are experienced and remain calm during the journey.

What is the source of income for the children, and how do they get paid?

The children earn money by transporting goods, particularly bananas, from the mountains to the town. They are paid a set amount per kilo, which, despite the physical labor involved, is their main source of income.

How much do the children typically earn from their work, and how is this income used?

The children typically earn a small amount, around Php 5 per kilo of goods they transport. This income is vital for their families, as they often rely on it to cover basic needs such as food.

What role does food, especially rice, play in the lives of the children?

Rice is considered a luxury in their daily lives, and they only have it occasionally, typically on Fridays. When rice is unavailable, the children rely on bananas as their primary food source.

How do the children manage the dangerous conditions of the river crossing?

Despite the dangers, such as strong currents and sharp rocks, the children are accustomed to navigating the river. Their determination and experience enable them to endure these challenges without showing signs of fatigue.

What is the significance of market day in Sitio Panluan?

Market day in Sitio Panluan is a crucial event where goods transported by the children and other locals are sold. Buyers from Manila come to purchase these goods, and the local sellers rely on this market for their livelihood.

How do the children cope with the financial and emotional burdens of their work?

The children cope by working together and supporting each other. They have a strong sense of community and find moments of joy, such as playing together on Sundays, which allows them to briefly escape the harshness of their daily lives.