A better life for Nanay Artemia

MANILA, Philippines - To hikers and adventure seekers of Mt. Manalmon, Nanay Artemia is that kindly fixture who watches over their cars and belongings by her makeshift shanty near Biak Na Bato National Park, an ecological sight in San Miguel, Bulacan.

She has had her share of life’s lows. Refusing to be a burden to her children, most of whom live in Samar, she struggles to make a living for herself.

Months ago, after a typical weekend hike, a netizen who met her decided to share her story by posting her pictures on Facebook to call attention to her plight. The post immediately became viral and soon, donations came pouring in.

Touched by Nanay’s story, college student Jace de los Reyes initially planned on giving food and supplies, until the gesture evolved into a bigger idea – to build her a house and a small sari-sari store.

Together with organizer Danny Consigna, Carlos Antonio, Lei Mendenilla, Cherrilou Lepana, Reymund Sabater, Honey Macapagal, Janice Yaeso and Veronica Valencia, Jace created a Facebook event that served as an open invitation to anyone who cared to join. After reaping likes and shares and the support of friends and netizens here and abroad, the group gathered enough funds to make the plan a reality.

Last August 16, a group consisting of 150 participants started construction and conducted a tree-planting activity in nearby Mt. Manalmon. By September 6, Sunday afternoon, the newly constructed house was turned over to Nanay Artemia.

In a matter of months, a life was changed for the better through the efforts of mountaineers, hobbyists and concerned citizens who harnessed the power of social media for social good.