Forty-three year old Renante Badilla is a native of Maribojoc, a town on the southwest coast of Bohol island. I (Analyn) know this man personally as we live in the same barangay. On 7th of September, which was a Saturday, he visited me in my home and inquired as to whether he could avail of a PSHF livelihood loan. Upon learning of his need, I told Renante that we could assist him and I gave him an orientation right there and then. Afterwards, I gave him the application form and, once he had completed it, I proceeded with the interview.

 

Renante is a widower. He lost his wife Rose Ann in May 2021, when she was just 27 years old. Rose Ann first became ill in late 2019, complaining about numbness in her legs. There were many times that she would suddenly stumble and eventually she became totally unable to walk, due to swollen feet. Because of financial problems, Rose Ann never went to the hospital but instead took herbal medicines. In February 2020, several relatives helped Renante financially so that Rose Ann could go for a check-up. After a series of laboratory tests, it was found that she had cancer of the spine. In June 2020, she underwent an operation to remove the tumor. Rose Ann lived for several months without pain but sadly, in early 2021, her cancer recurred. She was in and out of the hospital but her cancer spread and she did not survive.

 

Renante is left with two daughters, Rhey Antonette (8) and Mary Rose (5) who are now in Grade 3 and kindergarten. Renante works both as a construction laborer and as a fisherman. When he is hired as a laborer during the day, he goes fishing at night. Renante earns a combined income of 7,000 pesos ($120) a month.

 

In the past weeks, Renante has been struggling with his fishing boat as it has leaks. He cannot concentrate while fishing, as he frequently has to bail out the water that comes into the boat. It is for this reason that Renante is applying for a loan for repairs. The loan will be used to buy good quality marine plywood as well as lumber, nails, paint and marine epoxy. Renante is confident that, once the boat has been repaired, his daily catch will reach five kilos again. 

 

Renante is very grateful for our loan assistance, as his income from fishing is essential to provide for the needs of his two daughters, as well as to keep them in school. We at the PSHF are happy to help a responsible father like Renante.

 

 

 

Analyn T. Gallibot

PSHF Bohol

September 2024