SILAKI

"SILAKI"

The "Silaki" a documentary of Kara David's I-Witness, describes the challenges of some Filipinos as a result of the lack of assistance from their community and the Government.

The last time Kara David visited Silaki Island in the year 2007, which is very far North Of Bolinao, Pangasinan. She encountered siblings Kristine and Joselito that at a young age, who made a living by diving and collecting sea urchins. Now they have already achieved their dreams. Kristine is now a teacher and Joselito is now a Seaman. 

After 12 years, Kara David returns to Silaki and she sees that nothing has changed there. The island, The Filipinos living in that island has not yet emerged from poverty. She meet Paula and Renz, two siblings who like Kristine and Joselito, had to start working at an early age and supported themselves and their family by collecting "arososep" or a kind of seaweeds. They collected arososep wholeday which earned only 210 pesos. Which is not enough for there daily expenses. Additionaly, there is no water and electricity in this area, they must go into another community which is 3km far away by boat to get water. 

By spending time in the community they earned the trust of the people living there, Kara David is able to encourage individuals to share their experiences with their own words. The Lumad people's challenges in Silaki Island are seen in the documentary. 

Lastly, this documentary serves as a eye opener to the people who watch It. 

It inspires more people that no matter how hard life is, we should not give up. There's always individual who will provide a hand. No matter how challenging life is, it will not be a barricade to your studies. Additionally, this documentary makes me realize how blessed I am in a way that I have the support and guidance of my family. It was very worth it watching  anyone who supports unprivileged group, such us the Lumad people in the Silaki Island.