Sabet’s Story
Sabet was born into an indigenous tribal family called the Ati in Barangay Yawyawan Lemery. The Ati were one of the first inhabitants of the Philippines and thought to have arrived from Borneo 20,000-30,000 years ago. Sabet married a local man in Lemery which was very unusual for tribal people. There is a perception that tribal people are uncivilized and Sabet had a difficult time fitting into the community. Sabet has never had an education, she is not sure how old she is. Sabet and her husband had six children, two boys and four girls. Sabet worked really hard to help sustain the family’s daily needs and would spend the day working on the the farm with her husband whilst also caring for their young children. Sadly, Sabet’s husband became an alcoholic and would often beat Sabet and her children.
Her husband also attempted to attack his daughters. Sabet made a very brave decision to leave. This is when Sabet and her children moved to Capinahan to start a new life and protect her family.
Sabet worked as a housekeeper to a few families in the town and at the same time as a farm labourer. She believes she earns 100 pesos a day about £1.50 but she cannot count the money she is given as she does not know how. Sabet can not afford for her children to go to school, although the public schools are free there are still miscellaneous fees. Her children are teased by other children because of this. When the typhoon struck, Sabet and her children lost their shanty home and all that they had. This was utterly devastating for them all. They have since rebuilt a shelter using the wreckage from the Typhoon but when it rains it leaks. They cook outside amongst 3 rocks and have no toilet. They have barely enough food to survive and all the children are now working as farm labourers. Sabet’s only wish is to keep her family safe.
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