Back in Marikina: New Stories, Same Heart (ft. Tunyu-san!)

Hello everyone, this is Budz and Leon writing.

This time, we decided to co-write our blog since most of our activities overlapped throughout the process. Last June, we returned to Marikina for the third time to collect additional data — making this our third blog entry for our Philippine adventure. Having visited the Philippines three times this year, it's safe to say that Leon is now basically an adopted (and poging) Filipino — LOL!

What's different? 

Unlike our previous visit to the Philippines, this time we were left to handle things on our own, though with a welcome addition to the team, Tunyu-san (his blog for this trip is a must-read!!). Aside from the survey work, the first few days of our trip were spent at the HyDEPP-SATREPS Joint Cooperation Coordination (JCC) meeting at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where we shared some of our initial findings.

Proper coordination with local partners is always a crucial first step for a successful survey. This was especially true in Barangay Marikina Heights (one of the non-flooded areas in Marikina City) where we needed to clearly explain the purpose of our visit: why a flood-related study was being conducted in a place that doesn't flood. Thankfully, the barangay officials were warm and welcoming, and the local student enumerators we worked with proved to be dependable and enthusiastic.

We also surveyed two flooded barangays, Jesus Dela Peña and San Roque, hoping to capture the impacts and recovery from flooding of middle- to high-income households. Notably, Provident Village in Barangay Jesus Dela Peña was among the most devastated subdivision in the City during Typhoon Ondoy back in 2009, a disaster still etched in the community's memory. 

 

 

 

Insights that will stay with us

Throughout this household interview survey, we encountered many people whose stories have taught me so much about the Philippines and its people. Even though I'm not Filipino (but you're our adopted Filipino LOL) , I felt completely at ease in their environment. Their warm hospitality and easygoing nature truly made this experience unforgettable.

We were fortunate not only to meet the households we surveyed, but also to connect with the people who made this entire effort possible: the enumerators and barangay coordinators. As locals, they know their communities deeply and understand the realities of disaster situations firsthand. We've already said “thank you” to them countless times in person, but we'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude here as well: to Dean Tolentino and President Ayuson of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, to Hon. Aramil of Barangay San Roque, to Hon. Sarmiento and the members of the barangay council of Barangay Jesus Dela Peña, and to Hon. Punzalan, with special mention to Ma'am Cora, of Barangay Marikina Heights. Also, to our dedicated enumerators (Joshua, Jannah, Oen, Carlos, Roxanne, Nathan, Victor, Joselle, Princess, Alyssa, R-Jay, Janina, Willin, Micky, Nejune, Ryza, and Kurt) and diligent checkers (Harvey, Alania, Daniela, Rona, and Elijah). Maraming salamat po! Your hard work, local knowledge, and commitment turned this survey into a success.   

Small moments that Made Us Laugh

Of course, we eat, and we leave no crumbs! The photos below say it all LOL. This trip wasn't just about the survey itself, it was also about sharing moments, laughs, and good food. We're especially proud to have recruited Tunyu-san into the avocado and mango craze though we still couldn't win him over to the joys of Halo-Halo. Maybe next time!

Despite the raining and hot sunny weather during the process of the survey, we tried to find good things to laugh about it each day- and I think we did. Tunyu randomly dancing wherever he is, Budz chanting “minna-san konnichiwa, watashi wa Allan desu” for his Japanese speech repeatedly. HAHHA! 

Once again, thank you for reading our blog and for joining us on this journey whether through our fieldwork stories, or our little food adventures. Until the next time!