MANILA, Philippines - As a gesture of paying it forward, Handyman, the leading hardware store for quality home improvement tools, paints and other home accessories, recently took part in a life-changing show that taps the expertise of industry professionals to help rebuild the lives of families in need one brick at a time. Through Extreme Makeover Home Edition Philippines (EMHEP), a reality show on TV5 based on the popular American TV show, Handyman reaches out to one Filipino family and one community as they get back on the road to resurgence.
Tracing roots, planting hope
Angonan “Kuya Aggoe” Arsenio, a full-blooded Igorot, works full time at the Sangguniang Bayan in Nueva Vizcaya, and volunteers for Gawad Kalinga. As project director of Barangay Macabenga in Dupax del Norte, he was overjoyed upon hearing that EMHEP would help build a number of houses and renovate some in Macabenga. “The residents here were displaced as a result of the construction of Binga and Ambuklao dams,” Kuya Aggoe explained.
Because their houses are made of cogon grass with improvised walls of galvanized iron or scrap wood, they were natural targets of harsh weather conditions.
EMHEP built duplex-type units for 28 families and painted them bright, cheerful colors. “Every unit has a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms complete with furniture and beds,” he beamed. “In addition, Handyman equipped all the houses with doorknobs, door hinges, electrical and wiring devices.”
With the help they received, Kuya Aggoe said that the families are now more inspired to work harder and kids are more excited to go to school.
“On behalf of the community, I am extending my gratitude to Handyman for their contribution. With the electrical wirings and door hinges, the residents are enjoying their lives in a brighter, better and more secured environment,” Kuya Aggoe concluded.
Keeping the family afloat
Adversities came crashing like waves in the life of Carmita “Mitch” Beleno at a time when she thought she couldn’t ask for anything else. At 38, Mitch lived a quiet and contented life with her husband Les and their eight-year-old daughter Andi. She works as an accountant and lives in their modest 120-sqm. house in Lamuan, Marikina, built by her parents in the 1960s. Life was uncomplicated until she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
“I was devastated,” Mitch recalled. She had to endure 18 cycles of chemotherapy sessions, medication and emotional turmoil as she battled with her illness. Then Ondoy struck in 2009. “I just had my therapy and medication that day. My immediate thought was I could not get soaked wet; but there was already water everywhere,” she exclaimed.
Seeing her daughter in tears as she was being taken away in a makeshift boat was one of the most painful memories left behind by the disaster. Mitch recalled telling her family, “As soon as this is over, I want to buy a rubber boat so we would never have to fear for our safety again when water rose to extreme levels.”
But finances were tight and purchasing a water vessel had to be put off. After EMHEP’s renovation of their house, Mitch was almost in tears when Handyman handed them exactly what they wished for: a rubber boat
“We gave Mitch and her family an OtterSports inflatable boat which is high in performance and easy to maneuver,” said Jane Yuzon, Handyman marketing manager. Included in the package were the foot pump, repair kit, oars and paddles, and carrying bag. “The boat can fit six to eight persons, just right for Mitch and her family,” Yuzon added.
With a newly refurbished house, the rubber boat and her cancer currently on remission, Mitch is ready to get back on track. “Life has been good to me. So many people went out of their way to help me and my family when we needed it most. I am so overwhelmed and grateful. Thank you, Handyman.”
Visit Handyman branches located at all Robinsons malls, Waltermart malls and selected malls nationwide. For more information, log on to www.handyman.com.ph.