Kuya Jaigie Escañan, along with his wife, Mirasol and their son, are community members of Poblacion, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. Last August 2023, Kuya Jaigie was rushed to the hospital due to hypertension. Upon admission, the doctor confirmed that what he experienced was a stroke, causing his body to have frequent seizure attacks. Prior to receiving his medication last September 2023, he was paralyzed, classified as a person with a disability (PWD) and suffered from seizures two to three times a day due to his medical condition.

His son and wife are also PWDs—his son has a cleft lip and palate, which he has undergone surgery for at six months old, and his wife has deformities on her hands and feet. These conditions, however, do not hinder them as they continue to be active members in their barangay. His son, today at 11 years old, is studying in school, while Mirasol continues to help in the community. Additionally, the family is involved with CFSI as clients for case management and project participants for the We Can Project (WCP).

The WCP aims to strengthen the capacities of local key stakeholders to promote protection, resiliency, and the sustainable recovery of communities most affected by Typhoon Rai (local name Odette).

As the Escañan family rebuilds their lives, Mirasol actively engages and gives back to their community. She currently serves as a volunteer enumerator for another CFSI project—the CERF Anticipatory Action Project (CAAP). In line with the CERF-CAAP’s objective of promoting early action and response to reduce the loss of life and enhance response to time-critical requirements, Mirasol ensures, evaluates, and validates participants for the project. She also assists with the flow of project activities and is a key member of the team, encouraging her community to actively join discussions.

Kuya Jaigie, on the other hand, is now healthier, more mobile, and more independent. CFSI provided him with a wheelchair in early October and referred him to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga-Assistance to Individual in Crisis Situation (AICS) for additional assistance. To support Kuya Jaigie’s ongoing recovery and good health, CFSI also assisted Mirasol in claiming medicine for him through DSWD-Caraga. These efforts have resulted in fewer seizures.

Working alongside the Government of Australia (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia), CFSI strives to support those affected by Typhoon Odette in the Caraga and Eastern Visayas regions. Through capacity-building efforts, CFSI endeavors to promote a healthy and self-sufficient community where no one is left behind.

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Story by: Marilyn C. Salvaloza, RSW