Liza the Defiant One

 

Born in Samar, Eliza Abayan, 43, contracted polio affecting her left foot at the age of 2. “I have very vague recollection of being able to join my friends in taguan and habulan;” she recalled.  Life has never been as normal as it was for a growing child like Liza.  Perhaps the environment and life’s experiences made her strong, and she, without knowing it, was learning to be an advocate for herself.

 

Upon graduating from high school, she decided to try her luck in Manila with the help of an aunt, who entrusted her house in Payatas, Quezon City.  This was where she met her live-in partner.  Unfortunately, life became miserable.  She was a battered wife of a drunkard partner.  Inspite of the hardships, however, Liza endured life.  She even became her partner’s refuge when he was afflicted with cancer.  When he died in 1996, depression and anxiety crept into Liza’s life.  With no one to turn to, she prayed and asked for guidance and protection.

 

God is true to His word when in verse 1:27 of James He said, “I look after the orphans and widows in distress and keep them from being polluted by the world.”  God’s promise was proven through a friend who encouraged her to enroll at NVRC.  In 1997, she was one of the trainees in Garment and Trade.  A social worker, Ms. Imelda Taguam, was assigned to her.  As a matter of policy, she underwent psychological rehabilitation.  After the sessions, she was assessed to be a decisive, tender-minded person with a good sense of responsibility.

In the course of her training, she again found a refuge in the person of Luis Abayan, single, with one artificial leg, and a trainee on Applied Electronics.  They got married and resided in Payatas.  Immediately after her training, Liza was pooled in a garment factory in Cavite, as a contractual employee for five months.  After that, Liza was again left jobless.  The couple applied for P5,000 loan from the DSWD’s livelihood project and started a small sari sari store in Payatas.  Though it did not prosper, they were still able to settle their obligation on time.  Liza was again pooled in a garment factory in Quezon City and just like the first it only lasted for six months. That factory closed shop owing to losses.  Luis, in the meantime, was accepting electronics repair, an activity that has been their meager source of income.

 

Faced by many financial obstacles, Liza again went to NVRC, her second home.  During that time PTRI and NVRC were forging an agreement on the “weaving” project.  For Liza, it was another chance, another opportunity. Independence, it seems, is not the only thing Liza is determined to achieve.  She is also striving for self-reliance.  PTRI’s technology was an answer to Luis and Liza’s financial obstacle.  When Liza was working for the SM order, she trained Luis in weaving.  She was positive that Luis would be more productive in this endeavor.  True enough, their combined output earned them P2,340/week.  She proudly related “nakaipon kami ng P10,000 doon sa SM order” with a feeling of satisfaction. This time we can see Liza beyond her disability.

 

This could have been a happy ending but the harsh realities of life could not be ignored.  In April 2004, RSW decided to cease production temporarily because of increasing inventory.  However, determined and strong as ever, Liza did not lose hope.  Weaving was in her system and in her heart it was her hope.  She kept on following up with RSW anticipating for orders.  Smiling and with a glow in her eyes while we interviewed her, she exclaimed, “buti na lang me savings ako, sana bago maubos me gawa na ulit.” 

 

James 1:27 was at work again. RSW started the production of refrigerator and TV cover runners and place mats for trade fairs and exhibits this coming holiday season.  We salute the social workers DSWD, RSW, and NVRC.