Meet Susa Sumalinog, a remarkable woman from Gilutongan Island in the Municipality of Cordova. Despite facing immense hardship, she has emerged as a beacon of resilience and strength, inspiring her community with her unwavering spirit.
As a mother of four, life was already challenging for Susa. However, her struggles intensified when she was abandoned by her husband, leaving her to raise her children alone. Prior to their separation, she had endured physical abuse, which eventually compelled her to file complaints with the barangay authorities. Her actions led to her husband’s departure, but the scars—both emotional and physical—remained.
Her challenges took an even darker turn when she experienced a devastating accident in 2017. While using a makeshift oven fuelled by firewood, a combustible liquid thinner suddenly ignited, resulting in a fire that engulfed her and quickly spread to her home. Suffering fourth-degree burns across her body, she was in excruciating pain and required urgent medical attention. The nearest hospital was located several kilometres away across the island, making the journey even more harrowing.
Despite months of painful recovery, Susa fought through the ordeal. However, upon returning home, she was confronted with yet another emotional blow—her estranged husband had come back to take care of their children in her absence. Instead of feeling relief, Susa was filled with frustration and anger, knowing that she had endured her suffering alone while he had stepped in only when she was incapacitated.
Her return home was met with distance and apprehension from her family. The physical and emotional trauma had changed her drastically, and even her children struggled to recognise her. Overcome with despair, Susa fell into a downward spiral. She turned to illegal drugs, gambling, binge drinking, and frequent quarrels with neighbours. Her pain manifested in self-destructive behaviour, and she felt increasingly alienated from those around her.
A Turning Point
At her lowest point, Susa contemplated ending her own life. However, in a twist of fate, she was stopped by a group of Koreans who happened to be in the area. Moved by her plight, they extended their help, covering her medical bills and providing her with emotional support. Through them, she began her journey towards healing—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
This group introduced Susa to the importance of faith, encouraging her to trust in God and embrace a new purpose. She joined their church, where she gradually found solace and rediscovered the value of life. Inspired by their kindness, she decided to leave the island and live on the mainland, dedicating herself to personal transformation.
Meanwhile, back in Gilutongan, her mother took on the responsibility of raising her children. She slowly helped them understand and accept the changes in their family dynamic, preparing them for the moment when Susa would return.
Rebuilding Relationships and Finding Purpose
After undergoing profound personal growth, Susa finally returned home to the island. To her surprise, she was welcomed with open arms by her children. The warmth of their acceptance made her realise that love and family could still flourish, no matter the hardships they had faced.
Determined to rebuild her life, Susa channelled her energy into making a positive impact in her community. She began volunteering with the Barangay Local Government Unit as a Job Order worker, actively engaging in community service. With support from 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), she became more involved in local initiatives, particularly in advocating for persons with disabilities. She has gained valuable knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and community leadership.
She currently serves as the Vice President and the Committee on Advocacy for the Gilutongan Island Persons With Disabilities, Inc., tirelessly working to strengthen others in similar situations. She has participated in numerous capacity-building training sessions through both the Municipal Local Government Unit of Cordova and A2D, equipping herself with the knowledge and skills to drive change in her community.
Under her leadership, many of her fellow members have become active volunteers, contributing to the betterment of their island. Her journey from despair to empowerment has inspired countless individuals, proving that it is never too late to turn one’s life around.
