Testimony by: Sharon Mesahon

IPs and 4Ps Parent Leader

BUENAVISTA, Guimaras – Sharon Mesahon believes that resilience, dedication, and leadership are principles that she carries as a humble member of their Indigenous Peoples community in Sitio Serum, Barangay San Nicolas here. She started as a simple member, then built herself into a deeply committed leader of her community. This is the beginning of her story that revolves around uplifting her peers despite the hardships.

Mesahon came to realize the significance of community service when their household was listed as a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This influenced her decision to become a parent leader, to fill in the gap between her community and LGUs. This led her to advocate for their rights and needs. She worked for her fellow indigenous families to obtain the support and services they needed.

Poverty and cultural barriers were her trials, yet Mesahon remained hopeful. Her selflessness built solidarity among the indigenous community and people, she became someone they looked up to. Initiatives became inclusive, and the community became proactive in improving the state of livelihood, education, and healthcare because of her drive for change

Mesahon believes that community development is most effective when every member is heard and involved. Collective responsibility is formed among locals when they know that their concerns are acknowledged, and the passion for initiating projects like health awareness campaigns, livelihood training seminars, and early childhood development programs starts to grow in the community

Mesahon values early childhood education, a sole reason for her volunteerism, as a daycare worker in her community. She teaches children in her special way, through blending indigenous ideas of their group and modern practices. Through this, she actively promotes a culturally appropriate environment for children, and she aims to make them feel safe and valued.

People in their community were inspired by Mesahon’s commitment to serve since she came from a marginalized group of people. Her commitment is discerned through her consistent efforts in serving her community, a service she practices to ensure that families have access to the benefits and opportunities provided by programs like 4Ps.

Mesahon is also a role model for women in her community. She encourages them to step up, be more proactive, and become a driving force for change even in simple backyard and community gardening, the bayanihan system, and helping community activities.

With leadership and resilience, Mesahon has transformed her community into a tightly knit, and empowered group whose voices can be heard aloud towards sustainable progress. (Submitted by Buenavista MOO, GuimarasPOO. Revised and Edited by: Paul Andrie A. Farrol, WVSU Intern)