By: Sam Belo
Barako. That’s what they call us Batanguenos. Kapeng Barako is well-known for its distinctive and strong taste and smell. The Barakong Batanguenos are brave and resilient.
Hope and toughness is what we show against any challenge that is being thrown to us that no matter how big it is, we always find a way to bounce back.
January 2020, the Taal Volcano erupted. Thousands of families residing around the volcano and the lake were forced to evacuate. Most of them stayed in the Barangay halls, covered courts, schools and some stayed in their relative’s houses for more than 2 weeks.
However, most of them want to return to their homes risking their life with the fact that the eruption may intensify anytime. They needed to get their necessities, livelihood and even for their pets who were left behind. The fear and uncertainty on what could happen during the time is unimaginable.
With the bayanihan spirit of other privileged Batanguenos and all Filipinos nationwide, the evacuees were showered with donations. They provided them food, clothing, hygiene needs and even money.
That eruption may have rocked Batangas, well, literally -- but for sure, it has made us stronger. Then, not long enough, we bounced back and rose from Taal’s ashes.
March 2020, shortly after they returned home from evacuation centers, with ashes still on our roofs and everywhere, there came the CoronaVirus. The Philippine Economy went downhill causing the unemployment rate to rise up. I personally witnessed some of my friends and people I know here in Batangas lose their jobs one after one. Batangas is hurt, Batanguenos are hurt.
One morning, I had a small talk with a jeepney driver, he said “Ang mahalaga may kinikita kami(his co-drivers), kahit maliit. Kung hindi kikilos ay wala kaming makakain.” All of a sudden, I understood why there are plenty of jeepneys on the road but few passengers. Here you can see his determination to help himself and probably his family.
Batanguenos quickly adapted to the new normal. Their physical stores turned into online stores, everyone seemed to learn how to bake and make food to sell, their old clothes are now for sale, there are even raffle draws everywhere all for extra income in the middle of this pandemic.
Even big companies are adapting to the new normal in selling, one example is real estate. People will always look for something to invest in. One of Sir Manny Villar’s projects in Batangas -- Lessandra Azienda Batangas, is able to sell houses through investment selling during this time. Lessandra Homes provides affordable house and lot to Filipinos which will make you grow your investment in the next few years.
Lessandra Azienda Batangas
Batangueños are known for their industriousness as traders. Their ability to adapt is showing during this time. They seek for the good in every bad situation and that for me is the true meaning of resilience.
For more information on places to visit in Batangas Province, click here.
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