BAGUIO CITY – Despite life’s adversities that came their way, Lito Sab-it managed to work hard to support his family. As a son to his mother, a husband to his wife and a father to their children. But working hard as a welder, he slowly lost his sight. He wasn’t ready nor did never anticipated that he’d also lost his wife after losing his sight. His wife left [iniwan] him and their four children.
He’d been working as a masseur to support his children and his sick mother. He admitted that if there’s no choice, he begs for alms, an act he isn’t ashamed of because it is a way for him to feed his family.
On the night of November 7, 2017, while he was in Manila for his scheduled work, an unexpected incident happened at their house in Tam-awan, Pinsao Proper, Baguio City. He arrived home on November 8 and found out their house was burned due to an unattended bottle lamp. Thankfully, his children were safe except for his mother who suffered first degree burn in some parts of her body.
They have nowhere to go, including the family of his late brother who is also living in the same house. The two family then separated. A neighbor provided them a temporary shelter under their house. They stayed there for how many nights before they were allowed to transfer in the garage of that house but right now, they are being asked to move out. They begged to stay until they find a place to stay. Meanwhile, the family of Imelda Sab-it is also living in their neighbor’s garage.
They sought help from concerned government offices but there are some “issues” that is yet to be resolved. They need permanent shelter since the shanty that is being constructed is only temporary because the lot is owned by someone. Also, they are being asked by NGCP and Beneco to vacate the area since their house is near electric posts that is prone to electrocution. They also need food, hygiene kits and anything that you can offer.
This man is knocking on your door for any kind of help that you can offer. You can drop your donations at the barangay hall of Pinsao Proper or you can send it directly to the affected families. You can also contact Elmer Marte, cousin of Mr. Sab-it through 0910-944-4646.
Not blaming the government though but awaiting for any action/s to be taken. As Cunfucius puts it, “in a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.”
[special report to be aired on November 19, Sunday, during the Good Morning Philippines program]
