In what can be described as an unconventional living arrangement in this day and age, a family in Batangas City has been residing in a cave for at least 12 years.
Rufino Evangelista initially moved into this unique dwelling after parting ways with his children. Over time, he was joined by his new family, creating a rather unconventional household. They have stayed there since 2012.
"Doon kasi ako dati nakatira, ito man garahe namin ng tricycle. Ngayon eh, ang mga anak ko sa una, doon nakatira sa taas, [yung] isang kwarto bahay ng aking ama... Ako naman ang ginawa ko, may kinakasama ako [at] ako nama'y nagtitinda-tinda," Evangelista said.
Despite their efforts to make the dwelling more habitable, the cramped and warm conditions inside the shelter are noticeable.
Evangelista is unable to work because of a foot condition.
Evangelista and the housekeeping staff from a local school, which he is part of, share this unique home.
"Wala naman akong maiuupa eh... Eh, di hanggang sa nagkaroon nga ako ng anak, inayos ko are… nilagyan ko ng manipis na semento tsaka pininturahan," he said.
The cave is located near the Calumpang River in Barangay Kumintang Ibaba, located approximately two kilometers away from the city proper. The area used to be where residents would pass in going to the city before roads were built, said Abvic Ryan Maghirang, a history professor.
"Wala pa talaga noong lansangan, kumbaga ito 'yung pinaka ginagamit mula sa Calumpang River papunta ngayon dito sa loob ng lungsod," Maghirang said.
The Batangas City Engineer's Office, however, deems the location unsuitable for habitation.
"Dapat po liveable siya… ibig sabihin may bintana, may pintuan, may supply ng facilities ng tubig — malinis na tubig, [at] may kuryente po... Hindi natin sigurado [kung ligtas] ang bato o lupa na pumapaloob doon sa area na 'yun," City Engineer Dwight Arellano, said.
Following this, the office has alerted the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for a joint inspection.
"'Yun po ang hamon ko, tayo'y mag-joint inspection... 'yun naman ang unang tinitingnan natin [which is] safety and well-being ng isang pamilya," Arellano added.
RELOCATION
Evangelista himself hopes to move away from their current home because he doesn't want to see his child grow up in such cramped quarters.
He appeals to authorities to provide his family a relocation with a more decent house.
"Dahil may pamilya ako, gusto ko 'yung aking anak, maialis ko rito. Wala naman ako problema sa aking tatlo [na anak] eh. Malalaki na sila. Eh ito [na bata]? [Sana] mabigyan ako ng sasabihing bahay na kwan, masaya na ako na ang anak ko'y maililipat ko," Evangelista said.
Maghirang urged both the government and the public to find solutions to urban problems, where housing is a collective responsibility.
"Isa ito sa mga dapat i-address, hindi lamang ng pamahalaan kundi ng bawat mamamayan din kung ano ang magagawa natin, 'yung mapanatili yung kahalagahang pangkasaysayan nito gamit yung sa siyensya, and of course ma-remedyuhan kung ano mang meron tayo sa urban problems natin," Maghirang said.
As their request for relocation awaits action, Evangelista’s family will continue to live in the cave, a home that is in stark contrast to the modern houses that surround it.
