Philippine News.

Interview with Rod Babiera Jr. from the Philippines

Could you tell us more about yourself?

Good morning ! My name is Rodrigo Babiera Jr. but you can call me Rod. I’m 32 years old. I live and grew up in Payatas, a poor barangay (village) in Quezon City in the Philippines.
I began my involvement with Fondacio in the Philippines in November 2007 when I attended Fondacio’s English and Computer Literacy program in Payatas. Afterwards, I volunteered with the program by participating in computer tutorials, administrative work and helping to facilitate sharing and prayer times.
I became more involved with Fondacio when I attended training at the Fondacio Asia-IFFAsia Training Institute in 2009. I then did an internship, then I became a member of staff helping with administrative work and training.

How long has containment been in place in the Philippines?

The lockdown was officially announced and in place from March 15 to April 15, but it has been extended until April 30, 2020.

How do you live with this?

I am following Enhance Community Quarantine Protocol in our barangay (village), we only leave the house if absolutely necessary and take precautionary measures when leaving and entering the house.

What does this change at Fondacio? Do you have a concrete example? For IFF Asia?

Of course, one of the obvious changes at Fondacio is that we have tried different applications on the Internet to communicate with each other, for meetings for example, we use the Zoom site, calls on messenger, Skype and even at IFF Asia we adapted online courses through video calls and tried to use online platforms.
We have also rescheduled the classes, we are blessed and grateful to have in-house trainers who have really gone out of their way to ensure the program and participants are well attended and supported.

What can you think of positive at this particular moment?

1. Many have said this and I also believe that one of the positive effects of this particular time is that our Mother Earth is now able to rest. Less movement of people – less pollution.
2. This period also allows the family to be together and spend time.
3. This time also allows us to spend lent time more meaningfully, more time for prayer and charity

How do you plan to celebrate Holy Week and Easter while staying at home?

I participated in online services (Triduum)

What is the hardest thing for you about the lockdown?

The hardest thing about this quarantine for me is being worried about the safety and health of my family members, especially those working on the front line like my mother and younger sister who work as caregivers in our barangary (village), my father and younger brother who work as firefighters, and my brother-in-law who works in a butcher shop.

What does the situation of disadvantaged people look like in the Philippines?

It’s very difficult for them, especially for those who are faced with this situation: “without work, no salary”. They have no money to buy food for their families and the only option they have is to wait for the support of local government unity, generous organizations, individuals and their neighbors.
At some point it is very difficult for them because the support from the government takes a long time to come through, but it is encouraging that the churches and the different NGOs are really mobilizing to help the less privileged or the poorest poor.

What do you plan to do when you can leave your house?

I intend to return to the IFFAsia office for work

Do you work from home?

Yes, but the work is very limited. (One such difficult thing for me is that I don’t have internet in my house, I also use mobile data which is not really good)

Do you think Christians could use this time to help others?

If and when we have the opportunity to help, of course, we are called to be of service to others.

What is your typical schedule during confinement?

I wake up around 7 or 8 in the morning and have a morning prayer, then I have breakfast watching the news. Then prepare me for online meetings, if there is no meeting, I clean the house, do some gardening and / or help with the repairs of our house. Sometimes I do marketing and help take care of my nieces.

Thanks Rod! Have a good day !