Every person at one point has faced some sort of hardship in life. But, fate always has its own way of making life worthwhile. When the odd seems unfavorable, people tend to resort to unconventional ways in order to live – going through great lengths for survival.

On June 10, 2020, Tatay Pedro’s story quietly made its way onto social media, then quickly captured the attention of many. A video showed him living alone in a makeshift shelter inside a cemetery in Barangay Pulang Lupa, Trento, Agusan del Sur. The video was later taken down after the barangay stepped in and appropriate actions were taken.

Before this, Tatay Pedro had been staying under the care of his niece, Merly Lloren. However, frequent misunderstandings between him and Merly’s mother made it difficult for everyone. For Tatay Pedro, distance seemed to be the only way to preserve peace.

Living alone, especially at his age, came with many hardships. He moved from one place to another until he found a spot where he felt he would not be a burden to anyone, a quiet corner of the cemetery. He left Merly’s home with nothing but the clothes he was wearing. At night, without pillows or blankets, he wrapped himself in an old sack to shield himself from the cold. Too frail to lift even a container of water, bathing became an occasional task, as the nearest spring was far and difficult for him to reach.

At 82, Tatay Sartaguda “Pedro” Lesondra would often be seen sitting alone, deep in thought, quietly reflecting on his life.

“Usahay, mapuno akong hunahuna ug pangutana kung kanus-a pa man ko mapatay ani arun dili na nako maagian pa ning kalisod sa kinabuhi,” Tatay Pedro shared with a deep sigh.
(Sometimes, I find myself wondering when my life will end, so I would no longer have to go through these hardships.)

A confirmed bachelor who never had children of his own, Tatay Pedro depended largely on the kindness of relatives. Despite her own limitations, Merly did what she could to help her uncle, even from a distance.

“Masakitan kaayo ko maghunahuna nga dili nako siya maatiman ug tarong,” Merly said, holding back tears. “Naa pud koy trabaho ug mga responsibilidad. Manglabada ko, manuroy ug floor wax, ug dili pud nako siya madala sa among balay kay nakiipon ra ko sa akong ugangan.”
(It hurts to think that I can’t take care of him properly. I have work and responsibilities, I do laundry, sell floor wax, and I can’t bring him home because I’m only staying with my in-laws.)

When Tatay Pedro’s situation surfaced online, barangay officials admitted they were unaware of his condition. Had they known earlier, they said, assistance could have been provided without the need for public attention. Still, the incident prompted immediate action.

“We immediately called for an emergency meeting,” shared Barangay Kagawad Richard Años Jr. of Pulang Lupa. “Gisabutan namo kung kinsay mo-donate sa mga materyales—para sa atop, bungbong, haligi, CR, ug pati habol, banig, ug uban pang kinahanglanon.”
(We agreed on who would donate materials for the roof, walls, posts, comfort room, as well as blankets, mats, and other basic needs.)

Through collective effort, a small but safer home was built—offering Tatay Pedro not just shelter, but a renewed sense of care and community.

A challenge for sustainability and care support

Tatay Pedro’s condition calls for sustained and consistent support. That support comes in part through the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens Program, where he is an active beneficiary in Trento, Agusan del Sur. Through the monthly pension, some of his basic needs are met, small but meaningful improvements that have helped make his life more bearable. Compared to where he was before, Tatay Pedro’s situation has significantly improved.

“Mas hayahay na karon,” shared Glenda Lopena, a neighbor who has long looked out for Tatay Pedro. “Sauna, sakit kaayo sa dughan tan-awon ang iyang kahimtangan nga nag-antos gyud siya. Kung unsay naa sa amo, mao ra pud among mahatag. Igo ra pud among kita para sa among panginahanglan.”

She recalled how the community quietly extended help in whatever way they could.

“Usahay, muhatag kog pagkaon. Kung mukuha siya dinhi sa tindahan, pasagdaan ra nako kung mubayad siya o dili. Ug kung mubayad gani, dili na nako dawaton,” she added.
(It’s much better now. Before, it was heartbreaking to see Tatay Pedro suffer. We only gave what we could because our income was just enough for our needs. Sometimes, I would give him food, or if he took something from my small store, I wouldn’t mind whether he paid or not—and if he did try to pay, I would refuse.)

Through the combined support of government programs and the quiet compassion of neighbors, Tatay Pedro’s days have become more stable, proof that even modest assistance, when sustained, can restore dignity and hope.

Despite her busy schedule, juggling household chores, work, and errands—Merly has made attending to Tatay Pedro part of her daily routine. She would drop by unexpectedly, bringing food, helping with laundry, and making sure he has what he needs. When asked how she managed the expenses and if she ever felt exhausted, she became emotional:

“Kung wala ang Social Pension niya, Ma’am, maglisod gyud kog mayo. Pasalamat gyud ko ug dako sa pension nga iyang ginadawat kay naabagan gyud ang iyang mga kinahanglanon. Bation pud ko ug kapoy kay naa pud ko ugangan nga edaran napod giatiman sa balay. Naay mga panahon nga mangayo nalang ko ug pasensya sa iyaha, kay kabalo ko bisan ug mao ra nay makaya nako dili gihapon paigo, labina nga dili nako siya madala sa balay unya layo siya nagpuyo.”
“If not because of his social pension, it would be very difficult for me. I am so grateful for the pension because it addresses his needs. I also feel worn out, Ma’am, since I have an elderly in-law to care for at home. There are times I have to ask for his patience because even if I do my best, it’s still not enough, especially since I cannot bring him home and he lives far away.”

For Tatay Pedro, living in solitude is his way of finding peace. Yet the care provided by Merly, Glenda, and others can only go so far given his declining condition. He still needs consistent support to meet his basic needs. This is where the Social Pension Program, together with the active involvement of the Barangay Local Government Unit, plays a crucial role. Social workers and Barangay officials have even implemented random visits to Tatay Pedro, checking in on him regularly. These visits not only help sustain his needs but also provide companionship, easing the sense of isolation and despair he sometimes feels.

In fact, in August 2020, Tatay Pedro’s case was referred to the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) of DSWD Caraga, where he received family food packs as an immediate response to his needs.

But Tatay Pedro requires more than just medicine and food,he needs care that addresses his whole being. Beyond his physical needs, his mental and emotional well-being are equally important. This is how the Department of Social Welfare and Development responds to his situation: by providing holistic support through its various programs and services, strengthened by ongoing coordination with local government units and partner organizations to ensure that every aspect of his care is addressed.