Amidst the hustle and bustle for the holiday preparations, a group of unsung heroes embark on a mission – locating and interviewing 4Ps households on the list for the special Listahanan Assessment.

Known as the Angel in Blue Vests, these field workers are engaged in the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga through the National Household Targeting Section (NHTS) for years now. Some have worked as field staff since the Listahanan 1st round household assessment in 2009.

When it comes to experiences, these workers have gone through a lot – from navigating muddy paths, crossing swollen rivers, walking long hours, and traversing rough roads while riding a habal-habal motorcycle, you name it, they have all endured it. These dedicated individuals defy the odds to ensure that those 4Ps beneficiaries on the list will be visited and interviewed.

Meet Jaimn Caterbas, an enumerator assigned in Magallanes, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Santiago, and Tubay, in the province of Agusan del Norte. She has been engaged with the Department since Listahanan 3 in 2019. While working, she experienced a motorcycle accident where she sustained wounds on her leg and bruising and swelling on her face – all because she was committed to visit even those who are living in far-flung barangays where the access roads have bad conditions.

“Nag ampo gyud ko sa Ginoo nga maayo rakog dali kay akong gihuna-huna unsaon paghuman sa assessment sa mga naka assigned nga area nako. Sa tinuod lang, bisan grabe kalayo sa mga balay sa respondents pero malingaw rapud ko sa akong work kay daghan kaayo kog masugatan nga nagkalain-lain storya sa kinabuhi (I sought divine intervention, praying to God for a speedy recovery, I was anxious about completing the assessment in my designated area. Despite the respondents’ homes being distant, I found joy in my role as an enumerator, as it provided me the opportunity to witness a diverse range of stories from the people I interviewed),” Ms. Caterbas narrated.

Despite facing inevitable challenges in the field, she took pleasure in her role as an enumerator, relishing the opportunity to listen to stories from the respondents.

Melanie Sarin, another Listahanan enumerator assigned in San Miguel, Tago, Marihatag, and San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, shares stories of perseverance. She was exposed in the field for five years as a former volunteer teacher in Barangay Siagao, San Miguel, and three years in DSWD as an enumerator. “It was undeniably challenging, yet the journey was enriched by sights and countless stories, particularly in the remote areas. Despite the hardships, there was a resolute commitment to persist as this is my work as an enumerator. Giving up was never an option, knowing that the need is great and our presence is essential in the community,” she says.

Erica Salga, another enumerator, has shared numerous stories from her experiences in the field. She encountered unforgettable situations that put her bravery to the test. “In 2019, I was assigned to Bayugan, Agusan del Sur during the regular assessment. As I approached the respondent’s home, the husband began shouting in a fit of anger towards the government. The moment he spotted me, he displayed a knife, directing it toward me, she shared.

Even with her traumatic experience as an enumerator in 2019, she still chose to be part of the special assessment this year. She was assigned in Las Nieves, Kitcharao, Jabonga, and Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.

Lastly, Mr. Jeffrey Dagani, an Area Supervisor, was assigned in Loreto, Veruela, Santa Josefa, and Talacogon, Trento, Agusan del Sur. During the time when the Department required field workers for the Special Assessment, Mr. Dagani found himself in a dilemma – he was torn between two opportunities. Ultimately, he chose DSWD as he considered it his home. He was been with the Department since 2015 during Listahanan 2 up until today.

“Being in the field brought me joy. I had the opportunity to witness diverse stories from the respondents and catch a glimpse of their lives. Their smiles and warm welcomes conveyed a sense of my value. Their gratitude for the government’s visit was evident, making me feel a deep sense of fulfillment,” Dagani said.

These are the tales of resilience, dedication, and the steadfast quest to bring hope to the lives of the disadvantaged, despite the unpredictable challenges and encounters in the field. The Enumerators and the Area Supervisor continue doing their job even during holidays.

Just as the respondents have their stories to share, the Listahanan Enumerators and Area Supervisors, too, carry narratives of hope based on their field experiences.