Discover The Inspiring Journey of Tatay Dennis, Fisherman Father

Ate Rose Lin of the Rose Lin Foundation visited the town of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, to get to know a remarkable father, Tatay Dennis, a fisherman who, despite being submerged in poverty, continues to row forward just to meet his family’s daily needs. This story follows his relentless efforts and his family's resilience in the face of hardship.

The Carenan Family's Situation

Currently, the Carenan family faces extreme poverty. They live without a stable home and struggle to meet their basic needs. According to Nanay Gloria and Tatay Dennis, they rely on fishing daily. Sometimes, they return home empty-handed, leaving their children to endure hunger.

Their Home

Their residence is a small rented house that costs Php 9,900. Despite their struggles, their situation becomes even more challenging due to the landlord’s demand that they settle their debt within a week. If not, they will be forced to leave. The house has no electricity, so they rely solely on oil lamps for light at night.

Fishing as a livelihood

Each day, Tatay Dennis leaves home at three in the afternoon to fish. His income fluctuates—sometimes he makes Php 4,000 on a good catch, but more often, it’s not enough to support his family. When the catch is poor, he resorts to borrowing from local stores just to buy food. 

Challenges in the Children’s Education

Despite the hardships, the Carenan family has dreams for their children. They confront the reality of their situation while hoping their children can receive an education. Tatay Dennis’ eldest child now helps with fishing instead of attending school, while his other children, especially the twins, depend on proper nutrition and care.

Health Concerns

Aside from food scarcity, children’s health is also a primary concern. At times, the children fall ill due to a lack of adequate nutrition and sanitation. Unfortunately, their medical needs are not adequately met.

Hope Amid Hardships

The Carenan family refuses to lose hope. During each visit from people aware of their situation, like Ate Rose Lin from the Rose Lin Foundation, help arrives that brings smiles to their faces. The donations they receive serve as a glimmer of light in their dark circumstances.

Community Assistance

On one occasion, they received food assistance from Vice Mayor Diaz. These donations provided temporary relief and strengthened their resolve to keep dreaming, despite the many challenges they face.

Conclusion

The story of the Carenan family is not only an example of the hardship that many endure. It is a reminder that behind every smile and acceptance of help are tales of perseverance and sacrifice. Despite everything, the Carenan family continues to hope for a better future for their children. Their story inspires us to be generous and to lend a helping hand to those in need.