Laizanny Munda, 25 years old, is a graduate of the Independent Living Program. She lived inside an NGO shelter at First Love International Ministry back in June 2017 when she was rescued as a victim of physical abuse and sexual abuse by her own family for five years. She started her Independent Living Program journey back in August 2020 as one of the first batch of its beneficiaries and is now living independently working as a secretary.
Laizanny recalled the time when she was rescued, she said at first she felt sad, and happy at the same time being away from her perpetrators and feeling safe. This also made her feel that she could focus on her studies as she didn’t have to worry about being hurt physically and mentally.
“Masaya at malungkot. Masaya dahil naramdaman ko yung sekyuridad na matagal ko ng gusto, makakapag aral kami ng maayos. Wala akong alalahanin na may mananakit sa akin ng mentally at physically.”
Laizanny shared there were a lot of changes within herself during her stay inside the shelter, she said that the most significant change was her confidence, she became brave and strong through the support and love that they gave her and helped her get past her trauma.
“Malaking bagay rin ang naitulong nila na mahandle ko ng maayos ang aking trauma.”
This is because of the constant efforts of those who genuinely care for them. She shared that there are counseling sessions that they need to take thrice a month. This helped her open up and learn how to handle her trauma.
“Malaking bagay ito sa panibagong hakbang, dito papasok ang edukasyon na makakasalamuha namin ang iba't-ibang klase ng tao at pag uugali. Sinisigurado nila ang safety namin, at magkaroon ng malakas at matatag na mentality. At dahil sa love at atensyon na binibigay sa amin, malaking bagay yun.”
Laizanny shared that she learned how to stand on her own two feet through the program. She learned how to be resilient, save, and budget money for her savings. She also learned how to make decisions that will benefit her in the long run. One of the most important lessons she learned that you cannot buy anywhere is how to respect herself and others.
She also mentioned the importance of the program. It is to help the youth sharpen their skills and discover their talents individually. Aside from the learnings, there is also the hope that it gives to the youth living similar to her case.
“Ang importansya nito ay para mahasa agad at maging matibay sa bawat hamon ng buhay. Dito madidiskubre rin ng isang individual kung saan siya magaling at bawat pagkakamali may natutunan, at syempre nandoon pa din ang gabay. Binigyan din nito ng bagong pag-asa at bagong pamumuhay na maganda na tuklasin ng bawat kabataan.”
As a person who experienced the Program firsthand, she stated that this program was heavily important for her, for she learned how to stand her ground, fix her mistakes, and never give up easily, Laizanny stated how proud she is for being a graduate of the Independent Living Program..
As a person who went under the program, Laizanny shared her thoughts on how the government needs to support the program. She emphasized that this program offers great help to the youth who need support, hope, and attention.
Laizanny shared that before she underwent the program, she felt that there was no hope of being away from the nightmare she went through anymore, and because of that, she thought of ending her own life to end the misery as she felt that she was stuck already. But because she saw hope when she was rescued, that’s when she knew, there would be a new beginning.
“Umiyak ako for the first time, I felt safe at nagbago buhay ko. Takot na takot akong mabuhay mag isa pero dahil sa ILP nalagpasan ko yun at proud ako.”
Laizanny stated that the program should be supported financially by the government to help the shelters give proper help to the youth.
“Bigyan pansin at sapat na pondo ang mga institusyon para sa mga batang kailangan at nangangailangan ng bagong buhay. Ito ang pag-asa nila especially sa mga batang sexually abused na habang buhay dala dala nila ang trauma.”
Lastly, Laizanny left a powerful statement showing how the program is not to be seen as a non priority or less significant.
“Maliit na bagay para sa iba pero napakalaking bagay at priceless ito para sa amin.”
To inspire those who are currently under the Independent Living Program, Laizanny left a message that could give hope and learning to the youth.
“Ang masasabi ko ay grab the opportunity at sumunod sa mga patakaran. Wag matigas ang ulo dahil para din naman yan sa ikabubuti at kinabukasan mo. Maswerte pa rin tayo kahit paano kasi may mga taong handang tumulong para mag bagong buhay at magheal. Fighting! Laban lang kaya ko kaya niyo rin walang susuko.”
After a long dark battle for Laizanny, she now lives with her own loving family, moving forward, Laizanny congratulates herself for being strong and not giving up.
“Congrats at napaka tapang mo proud ako sayo sa kung ano ka ngayon. Para sa hinaharap laban lang wag na wag kang susuko mahal ka ng pamilyang binuo mo ngayon and pray lang at magpatawad dun pa lang panalo ka na.”
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