At the opening of the 3-day MinDA Tienda in Manila yesterday, two women came all the way from Pateros town, now part of Metro Manila, bringing with them two loaves of baked Calamansi which they wanted to give to me.
After the opening ceremonies, however, I joined a group with Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso which toured the different outlets that displayed products of farmers and fishermen from Mindanao.
We both were surrounded with a horde of photographers and security personnel preventing them to get to where I was to give their gift.
Last night, when I went home to my rented house in Quezon City, my son, Bernhart Immanuel, handed me two packets of baked Calamansi loaves and a letter.
They wrote:
“To: Sec. Manny Piñol & team,
“Please accept these calamansi loaves we baked for you and your team’s merienda. These are a small thank you for the inspiring posts and insights to our beloved Philippines.
“We have started gardening and are aspiring farmers. The fruits we used were from our trees that were previously untended.
“Your posts broadened our view of the Philippines, more so of the impression of Mindanao as beautiful and bountiful.
“Thank you for your unwavering service. We will try to duplicate your example not just for ourselves but for our communities. God bless & stay safe always.
Respectfully yours,
Liza C. Carreon
Erleen Castillo
From Pateros, M. Mla.”
After reading the letter I felt sad that I was not able to meet and thank them personally.
I would have told them how touched I was by the effort and the gesture.
The letter and the gift, including the kind words of support and encouragement which I receive from followers of my Facebook page, are fuel for my old and tired body as I continue the advocacy for greater awareness on the need to refocus our government’s resources on developing the countryside and providing small families an opportunity to have a better life.
The road ahead is long and rough but I will continue with this journey hoping that before I pass from this world there will be more Filipinos who will be inspired and who will work for change in our communities like the two women of Pateros.
Thank you Liza and Erleen. I am touched and I am inspired no end.
Stay safe and God bless you too.
(Photos of the letter and the two packets of baked Calamansi leaves were taken by my son, Bernhart Immanuel. I have read the letter but I am still trying to decide on whether to taste the baked Calamansi loaves or preserve it as a memento from the two women who inspired me.)
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