The sea gives life, but it can also bring uncertainty.

For the residents of Barangay Luctob in Macalelon town, Quezon Province, the ocean is the primary source of their livelihood. It is where they draw their daily sustenance and where their lives revolve.

While their coastline is blessed with beautiful mangrove trees, these natural barriers were often not enough to withstand the wrath of passing typhoons.

Even though many of the residents have spent their entire lives growing old in Luctob, the fear in their chests never truly faded whenever heavy rains fell, accompanied by the violent crashing of ocean waves.

“Ang senaryo noong wala pang seawall dito, marami pong napipinsala [na bahay at gamit] ng mga mamamayan katulad ng bangka lalo na sa tuwing may malakas na bagyo,” Barangay Captain of Luctob Romulo Dionco shared during an episode of the Kwento ng Pag-asa at Pagbabago (KPaP) aired on Tuesday (May 19).

Without a barrier to break the waves, they feared that lives could have easily been lost.

Beyond the threat to their safety, the harsh weather also took a toll on their health and income. During high tide, garbage washed up from the sea would reach their doorsteps, posing health risks. Furthermore, there was no safe place to secure the fishermen’s tools and boats.

Elvira Villarosa, President of the volunteer group in Luctob, explained to KPaP their struggles.

“Isa rin po sa kumbaga ay nagiging problema ay iyong mga pangkabuhayan nung mga taga rito. Wala pong mapagdadalhan ng mataas na lugar lalo na ‘pag may kalamidad,” Elvira said.

Their long-standing problem was finally answered—not by waiting, but through the collective action of the community itself.

Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), the voices of the people of Luctob became one.

Nelson Robles Jr., DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS Regional Program Coordinator for CALABARZON, emphasized that the program is designed to empower communities to solve the very issues that plague their areas.

Under the KALAHI-CIDSS, it is the residents themselves who identify, plan, and choose the projects to be funded by the DSWD in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU).

Knowing that their barangay serves as a direct catch basin when sea levels rise, the volunteers united and decided that a seawall was their most urgent need.

Constructing a 214-meter seawall worth Php6.5 million was no small feat. The volunteers managed the budget and materials with meticulous care. Believing that this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity should not go to waste, they ensured the project was completed efficiently so the community could benefit from it immediately.

Their dedication resulted in an overwhelming success. Marilyn Rogel, a member of the Barangay Luctob Monitoring Team, proudly shared how their prudence paid off.

“Kaming lahat, lahat ng mga volunteer ay masinop. Kauna-unahan naming proyekto ito. Noong natapos na, marami pa ring savings. Wala sa plano ‘yung [maglagay] ng dalawang hagdan [sa seawall] pero dahil sa savings, nagawa itong hagdan gamit ang isang resolusyon mula sa meeting ng mga boluntaryo,” Marilyn said.

Behind the concrete structure lies the sweat and sacrifice of ordinary citizens taking on extraordinary roles.

Volunteering required heavy lifting and long hours without the financial compensation of a private job, but the desire to protect their neighbors prevailed.

Filomena Macarandang, a volunteer bookkeeper, found immense relief and pride upon seeing the fruits of their labor.

“Mahirap pero ginagampanan naman po. Katulad ko pong solo parent, pinapagsabay-sabay ko po [ang hanap-buhay, volunteering, at pamilya]. Kahit ako’y isang mamamayan lang, pangarap ko rin na makatulong sa barangay,” Filomena said.

It has been over a decade since the seawall was built, yet the community of Luctob continues to reap its benefits.

For more than 10 years, the structure has effectively blocked strong waves and acted as a barrier that catches ocean debris, making it easier for the residents to clean their surroundings.

The sound of water crashing against the wall also serves as an early warning device, signaling to residents when it is time to secure their livelihoods on higher ground.

Moreover, the KALAHI-CIDSS subproject created a ripple effect of progress. The construction phase provided income to those who helped build it, creating a win-win situation.

And beyond the infrastructure, the volunteers gained valuable life skills—from carpentry to technical know-how—that they continue to use in their personal lives today.

While the residents of Luctob diligently continue their eco-friendly initiatives to protect the environment that sustains them, the seawall stands as a quiet witness to their resilience.

“Kapag dumarating ang kalamidad, tiwala na ang aking mga kabarangay na may hahadlang sa malalaking alon,” Captain Romulo said.

#KPaP is the DSWD’s award-winning online documentary which is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) under the Strategic Communications Group. It is hosted by Information Officer Bianca Piedad-Tamondong and airs every Tuesday over DSWD’s official Facebook page. (KB)