For five long years, life seemed to freeze for Fe Cureg and her husband, trapping them in a constant cycle of survival along the streets of Metro Manila.

What started as a journey in search of a better future quickly turned into a daily battle against the sun, the rain and hunger pangs.

After leaving their hometown with a few savings, Fe and her husband found themselves buying a wooden cart for Php500 in Quezon City. That cart became both their livelihood and their home as they combed through city streets scavenging for recyclable plastic items and cardboard boxes.

The street life took a heavy toll on their dignity and safety. Fe recalled waking up to the harsh realities of living unhoused, constantly forced to move from one corner to another.

“Yung pinakamahirap na pinagdaanan namin yung natutulog kami na basta-basta nalang kaming tinatadyakan ng mga barangay. Lumipat naman po kami sa Mariana, sabi ko nga sa asawa ko ‘sige na,’ sabi ko nga sa kanya, ay ‘alis nalang tayo’,” Fe said.

Faith amid storms

The physical hardship was matched by intense emotional exhaustion. Basic human needs became daily competitions, and every downpour brought terror as they searched for temporary shelter.

“Doon sa kalsada di ka makaligo, unahan lang. Sabi ko sa asawa ko ‘paano na tayo? Pag umuulan, saan tayo sisilong’? Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘hirap na hirap na ako, hirap na hirap na ‘ko rito.’ Sa pagtitiis na 4 years, 5 years sabi ko sa kanya ‘puro nalang tayo feeding, wala ka bang asenso sa buhay mo?'” Fe said.

Despite the arguments and desperation, Fe kept praying every night for safety and strength. Fe held on to the hope that they would eventually break free from relying on short-term food handouts.

“Gabi-gabi po akong nagdadasal na sana, Lord, di bale mahirapan kami sa paghahanapbuhay, basta wala lang magkakasakit sa aming dalawa ng asawa ko,” Fe said.

Her deep longing was simply to go back home to her relatives, even after learning that her father had already passed away while they were away.

“Kinukuha namin mga plastic, mga karton. Minsan nga po nag-aaway kami, sabi ko ‘ayaw ko na dito, love’ sabi ko gusto ko na umuwi nang makita ‘yong pamilya ko kasi po 5 years na po kami dito sa lansangan,” Fe narrated.

Fresh start with Pag-abot

That long-awaited dream finally came true with the Pag-abot Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The initiative, designed to reach out to individuals and families living on the streets, provided the avenue for Fe to leave the pavement behind for good.

Fe and her husband actively waited for the Pag-abot team to reach their area, knowing it was their clear path back to Barangay San Rafael West in Sta. Maria town, Isabela province.

“Sabi nila ‘yon daw po Pag-abot Program, yun daw pong sa balik probinsya. Inabangan talaga namin sila,” Fe pointed out.

Now back in their hometown, Fe and her husband are leaving the hardships of street life in the past.

The return home marks the fulfillment of her silent prayers during those dark nights on the pavement, giving Fe and her husband the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. Fe is currently in the process of eligibility validation for the livelihood program.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako do’n sa programa ng DSWD. Di na kami babalik po doon [sa lansangan] kahit kailan,” Fe said. (KI)