by: Isobel Ranulfa S. Dolatre

“Sa taong 2020-2021, maraming bagyo ang dumating pero ang [ugat]ay nasa lupa pa rin.” 

(“In the years 2020-2021, many storms came [in life] but the root remains holding on to the ground.”)

With the new realities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, many can relate with the words of Hannah Bertonia, a graduating college student of the Manobo-Agusan tribe.

Growing that sense of groundedness and resilience means finding ways not simply to survive, but to thrive. At its heart is caring for the wellbeing of each of its members. Through its initiatives, Cartwheel has been intentional in supporting both the psychosocial and physical wellbeing of its community partners—especially relevant in these changing times.
Support groups for teachers and YIP grantees

“Kumusta ka ngayon?”

Cartwheel as an organization values the practice of checking in on each other regularly, as a simple way of showing genuine care and being mindful of where the other is at.

 

Kanlungan para sa mga Guro Support Groups is a monthly online gathering for Sama-Bajau partner teachers and community facilitators which began in July 2021. From the cities of Parañaque, Zamboanga, and Manila, teachers came together for simple kumustahan — making time for self-care by sharing stories, encouraging each other in their strengths, and accompanying each other in solidarity. Among the themes they have explored are one’s sources of joy and hope; body awareness; meaning-making from challenges; their teaching journey throughout the year.

A similar support group was organized for the grantees of Cartwheel’s Young Indigenous Peoples (YIP) Leaders Program. The first session held on August 10 involved the current grantees — all college students at Pamulaan Center for Indigenous Peoples’ Education.

 

They were joined by several grantee-graduates from the same program in a succeeding session on November 6. It was a simple means of checking in on each one, making space for them to share how they have been, especially these past two years of pandemic. There was an opportunity to consult with them as well, on what their thoughts were on how to grow the existing YIP Leaders Program and how to be able to reach out to more youth.
Learning exchange on community health

“No one is an island; we each need community.”

Dr. Carrissa Losantas, RN, MD, MPM, DipIBLM, Public Health Physician from Social Innovation for Health Initiatives and Innovations for Community Health was among the resource persons of Daloy ng Karunungan sa Kapanahunan ng Krisis online training workshop on May 28, with Sama-Bajau community teachers and partner organizations representatives as participants.

She discussed concrete ways of caring for the self and community in this time of COVID-19. She elaborated on variants, vaccines, medicine, and home care in clear and easy-to-understand terms. As part of the synthesis, participants expressed their commitment to sharing relevant learnings with their own community circles.

 

 

Dr. Losantas also led the learning exchange organized by Cartwheel, Daloy ng Karunungan: Kalusugan at Katatagan on November 18, zeroing in on nurturing safety and wellness among indigenous communities. Participants were Sama-Bajau community members and parents residing in Parañaque and Zamboanga.

She shared about relevant COVID-19 updates such as vaccination and alert levels. Participants freely expressed apprehensions around getting their shots. As Dr. Losantas responded to their queries and addressed their specific concerns, it helped to convince many of the attendees to take action immediately.

With thanks to the dedication of teachers Marilyn Bayona and Faida Faisal, as well as to the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of San Dionisio, Parañaque City for their invaluable support, a total of 19 Sama-Bajau parents and community members residing in Parañaque together received their first dose of the COVID vaccine on November 19.

 

 

“Kung ano yung mga natutunan natin, hindi natin ilalagay lang sa sarili natin para sa sariling kapakanan kundi isaboses natin sa iba.”

(“Whatever it is that we learn, we do not keep to ourselves but we use our voice to share with others.”)

In the same round of sharing, this is what has become Hannah’s conviction.

Safeguarding wellbeing means holding space for each voice to be heard, for each one to be truly seen. Valuing safety and openness makes for this sacred space, this kanlungan. In continuing to be present for each other in even just simple ways, individuals are encouraged in their inherent strengths and the community grows its culture of resilience.