By: Reyky A. Pelonia, Area Coordinator
Had Kalahi -CIDSS not come to his corner of the world, Zosimo “Tay Simoy” Galvez, 62, would probably be content producing charcoal and working his little parcel of land to feed his family by day and quietly contemplating sunset come eventide.
An elementary school graduate, this father of seven is a man of simple needs though deeply responsible and as staunchly reliable as any man of the old school. When Kalahi-CIDSS came to Sibunag town, Tay Simoy volunteered and he was totally transformed. He proved he could do more and became like a father to the community.
Kalahi-CIDSS started with a Kindergarten Sub-Project (MCC-Cycle 2) for little children of Sibunag. Tay Simoy volunteered spending his time in helping out be it in project maintenance, innovative enhancement works, or helping out in building the project itself.
Because of this project, the mothers now can look for extra source of income while their children are at the Kindergarten. When another project, a 2-classroom high school building (MCC Cycle 3) was completed, the parents further become confident enough that their children are getting the proper education and a convenient learning environment.
Why volunteer?
“Tay Simoy” said he volunteered because he wanted to show the world that he can do more in spite of being already a senior citizen. He didn’t know what lay ahead nor what was expected of being a volunteer. But that did not stop him. Not even his scanty education.
As a volunteer, Tay Simoy was fully engaged. Even during rainy days, he could be found at the project site, working wherever his expertise was needed. He was there at all times to account for and monitor the movement of materials coming in and going out. He inspected the finished workmanship in every construction activity.
More than that, he helped resolve problems and settle grievances of the workforce. He would use his coordination skills and connections to tap the help of others that could make the work easier. Thus, he always brought with him his visitor’s logbook whenever he goes around.
A typical early morning would find Tay Simoy walking along the rice covered fields. Since his home was a bit far from the barangay proper, it would take about 40 minutes to 1 hour to pick through the undergrowth and some scattered vegetation. But it did not bother him nor did he complain. In these walks, he brought his pack lunch with him.
People would ask him why he walked and not take a motorcycle ride instead. His reply, “Gapanaw ta pa gane katong lupa pa ayhan pa ka jang semento doron” (We walked this muddy road before why not now when it’s already concreted).
But he walked, it seems, for the opportunity to chat with the rest of the community members along his way asking them their thoughts. He would then share these wonderful stories during meetings.
If lunch time finds him still on the road, Tay Simoy would just sit down underneath the nearest tree and partake of the food he always brings along.
Tay Simoy does not have much financially but he is rich in love and the care that he gives out to everyone in the community allowed him to gain friends as he walks his way around. Vehicle passengers easily recognize Tay Simoy as they always saw him walking on foot from Brgy. Alegria to Brgy. Dasal where the project is located. They would give him a wave of acknowledgment as they pass by inspired by his dedication.
During assemblies, Tay Simoy does information dissemination among his BSPMC members as well as the council and encourages them to inform all the community members to participate. He would also tell his members to go house to house to inform families regarding the activities that would need their participation.
He actively participates in the discussions as well as open forums regarding the project. He also informed suppliers and contractor about quality of materials may it be standard or sub-standard. He helped explain to the people what the sub-project is all about — how was the project implementation, what’s going on, what are the issues and concerns raised, etc. — to show the transparency of the project.
Whenever there are RPMO/NPMO site visits and inspection, he also gives updates and reports. He emphasizes that the project is not only for certain individuals but for all so everyone has the responsibility to know what it is all about; that they should be accountable to whatever might happen in every activity
Even though he is not a direct beneficiary of the projects (given that the project sites are far from his sitio) he still did not hesitate to say yes when he was asked to do something. His exact word were “Ako tana bisan mabudlay kanakon maglakat halin sa puno asta sa punta ka site, disideran ko ro man lang ja kay amon ja project” (Even if it’s difficult for me to walk from one end of the project to the other, I’m willing to go the distance because this is our project).
The Fruits of Hardships
Tay Simoy’s dedication has caught the attention not only of his neighbors but also by the government. Because of his proper accounting of materials and the BSPMC’s exemplary performance they were awarded the biggest project funded by Kalahi-CIDSS in the whole Philippines a road project to be funded by an MCC Incentive Grant. The road project, made possible by Tay Simoy’s sacrifice, will give the children easy access to school and greater convenience to the people in transporting goods as well as in going to the hospital or availing of other government services. Even if it rains.
Nobody was happier when the Kalahi-CIDSS inaugurated the incentive grant road project last March 23, 2016. Welling up in tears, Tay Simoy spoke of his journey during the program. “Bisan elementary graduate lang ako, diri sa Kalahi-CIDSS natagaan ako tsansa nga mag aram, nga mabal an ang simple nga pagsukol sang materyales. Nag duro pa mga amigo ko.” (Though I’m just an elementary graduate, here at Kalahi-CIDSS I was given a chance to learn, to know more, even simple the measurement of materials. I even made new friends.).
Today, Tay Simoy is an active member of the Farmer’s League, a CSO officer, and a Tanod in their barangay. Being a man and a senior citizen did not stop him from helping his barangay in his own little way. (Kalahi-CIDSS/DSWD)