This article was written by Mohammad Faiz Laut Sarip, a field assistant of CFSI under the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP).
Going to the village of Basak in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur is a challenge. I and my colleagues would walk for hours as four-wheeled vehicles are impossible to pass through the rough road, especially during the rainy season. We have to brave such difficulty to provide services to the people of Basak.
One of the beneficiaries in the village is the Baco Family. They earn a living through farming, thus making their income seasonal. With that situation, it is hard for the couple Minso and Asisah to provide for the needs of their six children.
Also, three of their children have a cleft palate. One of them is Hasnor, 8, the couple’s third son.
When Hasnor started going to school, he became timid and shy because his classmates were playing tricks on him. He told his parents that he wanted to undergo an operation to look “normal” but, due to financial difficulties, his wish was never granted.
We provided medical assistance to Hasnor through the Marawi Recovery Project (MRP). We brought him to Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APC) to refer him for a cleft palate operation.
Before and after condition of MRP beneficiary Hasnor.
In June 2020, the operation was done successfully for Hasnor and his two other siblings. We visited Hasnor in his school and we saw how happy and friendly he has become. I am glad to see him wearing a new smile. #
CFSI Field Assistant Faiz (right) with MRP beneficiary Hasnor (left) at present.
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Hasnor is one of the *266 persons with disabilities assisted through CFSI’s Marawi Recovery Project. CFSI, supported by the Australian Government, implements the MRP since 2017 to promote protection, psychosocial, and livelihood recovery of at least 6,500 households affected by the Marawi crisis.
*as of July 2020