A Life Anchored in the Sea
For Aladin Abaño, the sea has always been both a source of livelihood and a symbol of resilience. Born and raised on Caubian Gamay Island in Barangay Caubian, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, fishing has been his way of life since the age of eleven. Taught by his late father, Aladin embraced the demanding work of a fisherman, navigating the waters with skill and determination.
Now 46 years old, Aladin has explored other jobs, but the call of the sea has always drawn him back. Fishing is not merely a means of survival—it is his passion. It has sustained his family, including his common-law wife, Mildred Abaño, 44, and their three young children. Yet, as much as he loves his trade, Aladin dreams of a different future for his children—one that does not involve the exhausting, physically demanding work of a fisherman.
“The important thing now is that they finish their studies,” he says. “They should not have the kind of life that we have.”
Determined to provide for them, Aladin would set sail every morning at 5:00 AM with his fellow fishermen. On some days, he would venture out in the afternoon, returning late at night. Depending on the weather and the season, they would fish in the waters of Lapu-Lapu City or as far as the provinces of Bohol and Leyte. On an average day, they would catch three to five kilos of fish, which they sold to relatives who worked as vendors in the Olango Public Market. On the best days, they could bring home as much as 40 kilos, their haul consisting of various types of fish and seafood.
A Devastating Accident
In 2010, Aladin’s life took a tragic turn. Influenced by peers who sought faster, larger catches, he was drawn into the dangerous practice of using dynamite and cyanide poisoning for fishing. One fateful day, the dynamite exploded in his hands. The blast shattered half of his body, causing him to lose his vision and both arms permanently.
The accident was life-changing, stripping him of his ability to fish—the very skill that had defined him for decades. Overnight, he found himself unable to provide for his family in the way he once had. Faced with despair, he was forced to rely on his wife, Mildred, as they struggled to find alternative ways to support their household.
But Aladin is not one to surrender to adversity. Instead of allowing his disability to defeat him, he resolved to rise above his challenges. His focus shifted from lamenting what he had lost to ensuring a better future for his children.
Becoming a Community Leader
Despite his circumstances, Aladin refused to be seen as a burden. His perseverance and optimistic spirit soon became a source of inspiration for others in his community. Recognising his resilience, the local chieftain (Punong Barangay) appointed him as the leader of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) organisation in Caubian.
Even before their association was officially established, Aladin had already been serving as a representative and advocate for PWDs in their barangay. In 2023, with support from the project Strengthening Climate and Disaster Resilience of Ten (10) At-Risk Coastal and Island Communities in Cebu Province, Philippines—a collaboration between A2D and Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB)—he received formal leadership training. Equipped with new knowledge and skills, he spearheaded the transformation of their group into an organised community-based civil society organisation (CSO): Caubian Island Persons with Disabilities, Inc. (CIPWDI).
Through the project, Aladin gained a deeper understanding of disaster risk reduction and disability inclusion. His training empowered him to push for greater recognition of PWDs in local governance. Under his leadership, CIPWDI began actively engaging with the barangay and municipal governments to advocate for their rights and needs.
Making an Impact
Aladin’s dedication has led to tangible changes in his community. One of his significant achievements was securing financial assistance from the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) for all registered members of CIPWDI—a form of support that had never been granted before. His participation in Disaster-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) training enabled him to propose regular disability-focused programmes and activities for their organisation, ensuring that their voices were heard in local decision-making.
Furthermore, he has represented CIPWDI in a series of engagements with local special bodies and national government agencies. These platforms have allowed him to advocate for greater social inclusion of PWDs in disaster resilience planning and other government services.
Despite his disabilities, Aladin continues to lead with strength and determination. His wife, Mildred, remains his unwavering supporter, standing by his side in every endeavour.
Perseverance Against All Odds
Life as a person with multiple disabilities is not easy, and Aladin is the first to acknowledge the daily struggles he faces. There are moments when he must navigate his world alone, unable to see or touch anything, especially when Mildred is away. Yet, he refuses to give in to despair.
His resolve is driven by two core motivations: first, to provide a better future for his children; and second, to uplift the members of CIPWDI, ensuring that persons with disabilities in their community receive the respect, opportunities, and support they deserve.
With unwavering hope, he looks towards the future, determined to continue his work as a leader, a father, and an advocate for persons with disabilities. No longer a fisherman, Aladin still navigates uncharted waters—but this time, with a new purpose, guiding others towards a more inclusive and empowered future.
