By: Sunshine Grace S. Marquez & Francis Albert Calas

If one looks at the local delicacy “nilubid”, a twisted hard fried flour snack commonly sprinkled with sugar on the surface, one always relishes but misses to see or realize the process it went through before reaching its final taste and look. This staple snack is famous in Naawan, Misamis Oriental including the neighboring towns and provinces, but the compelling stories behind every “nilubid” in the place are left unseen and unheard–like the story of alias Dan, a former drug surrenderee. 

“At the time of my surrender, I was really afraid of what would happen to me next. I have seen and heard [in the news] that many drug users or pushers were killed in Oplan Tokhang. During the 1-week seminar of rehabilitation, I was thinking of my family, the heartaches, hassle, and fear that I have given them. Due to my selfish actions, it affected our “nilubid” food processing business which is our main source of income. I realized I will not do any foolishness again such as using prohibited drugs that will ruin me and my family.”

Looking back, Dan admitted to having been consumed and acquainted with illegal drugs in his teenage years, a habit he brought along until he reached his adulthood that drastically affected his life and the people around him——then the government’s war on drugs was implemented. Because of love for his family, he decided to surrender and submit himself to the local police - with the hope for a better change and restoration in mind. Dan underwent treatment through a community-based rehabilitation program designated in their place where he was properly monitored and checked by the municipal health workers. It was not an easy path to take but at that moment he also started to have a renewed life. 

In his steps toward betterment, he was more than grateful to receive support and help along the way. Through the Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) or livelihood capital seed given by the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Dan was able to revive his family’s “nilubid” business that has been gravely affected by the pandemic. From 2,000 pesos per week, their earnings grew to 15,000 pesos weekly. Currently, he also works as a construction worker at the Naawan Local Government Unit (LGU) as his side job. 

With a supportive family and community, Dan can now continue to smile in its sweetest form. But like the “nilubid”, far from its sweetness and savor, may we always remember to look at the stories of how it evolved and reached finality, just like Dan’s story.    

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