Interview with Rod Babiera Jr. from the Philippines
Could you tell us more about yourself?
Hello! My name is Rodrigo Babiera Jr. but you can call me Rod. I am 32 years old. I live and grew up in Payatas, a poor barangay (village) in Quezon City, Philippines.
I began my involvement with Fondacio in the Philippines in November 2007 when I participated in Fondacio’s English and Computer Literacy Program in Payatas. I then volunteered with the program by participating in computer tutorials, administrative work, and helping facilitate sharing and prayer times.
I became more involved with Fondacio when I attended training at the Fondacio Asia Training Institute-IFFAsia in 2009. I then did an internship and then became a staff member helping with administrative work and training.
How long has the lockdown been in place in the Philippines?
The lockdown was officially announced and implemented from March 15 to April 15, but it was extended until April 30, 2020.
How do you experience this?
I follow the "Enhance Community Quarantine Protocol" in our barangay (village), we only go out of the house if it is really necessary and take precautionary measures when we go out and enter 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 have adapted online classes via 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 above and beyond to ensure that the program and participants are well attended and supported.
What can you think of as positive at this particular moment?
1. Many have said it and I also believe that one of the positive effects of this particular period is that our Mother Earth is now able to rest. Less movement of people - less pollution.
2. This time also allows the family to be together and spend time.
3. This time also allows us to spend time in a more meaningful way, 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 confinement?
The hardest part about this quarantine for me is being worried about the safety and health of my family members, especially those working on the frontlines like my mother and younger sister who work as healthcare workers 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 is the situation like for the underprivileged in the Philippines?
It is very difficult for them, especially for those who are facing this situation: "no work, no salary". They have no money to buy food for their family and the only option they have is to wait for support from the local government unit, generous organizations, individuals and their neighbors.
At some point it is very difficult for them because government support takes a long time to come through, but it is encouraging that churches and different NGOs are really stepping up to help the less privileged or the poorest of the poor.
What do you plan to do when you can leave your house?
I plan to return to the IFFAsia office to work
Do you work from home?
Yes, but the work is very limited. (One thing also difficult for me is that I don't have internet in my house, I also use mobile data which is not really performing)
Do you think Christians could use this time to help their neighbors?
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 am and do a morning prayer, then eat breakfast while watching the news. Then get ready for online meetings, if there are no meetings, I clean the house, do some gardening and/or help with repairs to our house. Sometimes I do marketing and help take care of my nieces.
Thanks Rod! Have a great day!
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