Antonia Genobiaga

"It was such a blessing- a massive one.”

 

This is how Antonia Genobiaga, 48, describes their newly-constructed toilet facility in their humble abode at Purok 2, Pagiliran, Mabini in Davao de Oro. She works as Barangay Health Worker (BHW) in her town. Oftentimes, she would walk long distance to visit the households in her assigned Purok (division) and educate them about proper sanitation and cleanliness, hoping to create habitual change in her community.

 

Every time she does this, the feeling of exasperation and guilt would subtly cover her face while trying to talk about what’s and what’s not in their surroundings. Not because of a long day grind in walking and talking or the prickling heat of the sun but rather on the idea that even she could not sustain a clean and safe environment for her family with the condition of their previous toilet facility. Clearly, she empowers her community, but she knew as well that she herself needed empowerment to make change happen. 

 

She saw how the years have made her children feel unsafe as they would go out of their house to use the toilet. There was never a moment she didn’t wish to change that reality. The day she knew about WASH Loan, a sigh of relief was everything she could remember. Antonia has been a member of SPES Pauperum Foundation Inc.-BankDep for over 10 years now. For her, being able to rely on SPFI for financial assistance whether on education, health or business has helped her fulfill all the roles she assumes in life. She availed PHP20, 000.00 worth of WASH Loan to start the construction of her toilet in which she paid PHP455.00 each week for one year.

 

In the past, whenever she was asked to use their toilet room by guests, it was always a subject she would want to drop immediately. On top of the ample water supply, a fully-tiled white floor with its new toilet bowl embellished with mirror accents the sidewall and cleaning agents placed at the corner of the room would now stun her as she enters their newly-constructed concrete toilet facility.  After so many years, Antonia could not believe how she did it. Now, her children enjoy the convenience of having a toilet inside the house. For her, the importance of having proper sanitation facility is non-negotiable especially when she is advocating about health and sanitation in her community. In fact, this is what Antonia also desires for the all households in her neighbourhood to achieve.

 

“Who would have thought that in the midst of adversities and poverty, we were able to sustain and put up a decent toilet of our own? I don’t know with others, but for me, I consider it as such a massive blessing.” She narrated.

 

As she steps outside their house for another day’s grind, a new story of hope and perseverance to achieve for an improved sanitation condition is what she will share to other community members, but this time without the feeling of guilt.  Surely, it takes one decision to make a little step forward and change your reality, luckily, Antonia just did.