“Adu sakit na piman… sapay kuma ta matulungan”: Grandmother’s hope for granddaughter with disability

Ines carries Desiree to free medical mission delivered by Atty. Gelatio Bonggat to the people of Tabuk, hoping to ease burden of years of care.

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – At 60, Ines Manadao Cagui continues to carry the weight of caring for her granddaughter, Desiree Cagui Geronimo, who was born prematurely and has a physical disability.

For years, every hospital visit, medical consultation and treatment has meant additional expenses for the family. But despite the challenges, Ines remains determined to give Desiree the care she needs and help her make the most of her abilities.

On November 7, 2026, Ines travelled with Desiree from their home in Mosimos, Dupag, to Lucog Elementary School Gymnasium, carrying her granddaughter to avail of free medical services during a two-day medical mission which was made possible through NBI Director III Atty. Gelatio Bonggat.

Desiree had a fever the night before, but Ines decided to bring her after receiving a call from Dr. Michelle Karry Bongngat, the wife of Atty. Gelatio, who invited them to the activity.

“Adu sakit na piman…prematured gamin idi daytoy nga apok, physical disability metlang… nalaing daytoy nga ubing. Sapay kuma ta matulungan ta adda adayo ti mama na nga agtrabaho,” Ines said.

Despite her condition, Desiree can write and use electronic devices. Her grandmother describes her as intelligent and talented, giving her hope for what her granddaughter can still achieve.

The medical mission was organized through a partnership among the Fraternal Order of Philippine Eagles – CLR XLV (45), Guardians International Brotherhood Foundation Inc. (GIBFI), and Rang-Ay Eco-Adventure and Resort Inc., headed by NBI Director III Atty. Gelacio Bonggat, with support from sponsors, health institutions and volunteers.

A grandmother’s lifelong commitment

Ines said Desiree was born at Kalinga Provincial Hospital at six and a half months and spent a month in an incubator.

She has been Desiree’s primary caregiver since childhood. Her daughter, Desiree’s mother, had to stop schooling to care for the child before eventually going to Manila to find work because of limited employment opportunities locally.

While the mother works away from home, Ines continues to look after Desiree with help from her other children.

She said Dr. Bonggat had also been Desiree’s doctor when she was younger and helped care for her during her early years. The family continues to consult her every three months.

“Kaasi ti Apo, awan met ti seizure na, diay UTI na lng ti maysa. Ket tattan, gapo ta adda daytoy nga medical mission ket tinawagannak piman ni Doctora Bonggat ta isuna ti doctor daytoy apok idiay Almora, isuna piman nangbi-biyag inggana ka-baby na,” she said.

Desiree’s medical needs, however, have continued to strain the family’s finances. Ines recalled that her granddaughter developed scoliosis during the pandemic, when she was studying through printed learning modules.

They consulted Bongngat, who referred them to Baguio General Hospital. According to Ines, surgery was not recommended at the time because Desiree was still below the pediatric age threshold.

The family also has to deal with Desiree’s other health concerns, including urinary tract infection, asthma and ulcer.

“Adda kuma mangtulong kanyana, ta permi ti gastusen, karkaru ta private ti ayan na. Adda UTI ken asthma na piman, ulcer ket maasi nak nukwa agkararagak, ‘Lord, agserbi pay isuna,’” Ines said.

She said they have spent considerably on Desiree’s medical care, even selling personal belongings to meet her needs.

Their living conditions add to the difficulty. Their former home is far from the main road and requires crossing a hanging bridge. Because of the challenge of travelling through the area, they now stay beside the road.

For Ines, access to free medical services means relief from some of the expenses that come with caring for Desiree. More importantly, she hopes that others will recognize the needs of families like theirs and extend support.

Beyond one family’s struggle

Desiree’s story reflects the challenges faced by families caring for persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly those who need continuing medical attention and rely on relatives for daily care.

Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region data showed that 505 new PWDs were registered in Kalinga from January 1 to August 31, 2026, accounting for about 7.4 percent of the region’s 6,799 newly encoded registrations. The figure represents new registrations, not the province’s total PWD population.

Across the Cordillera, physical disability had the highest number of new registrations at 2,023, followed by speech impairment with 1,251 and psychosocial disability with 895.

The World Health Organization defines preterm birth as birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Babies born too early may face health and developmental complications, although premature birth does not automatically result in disability.

For families like Ines and Desiree’s, the need goes beyond one-time medical missions. They need accessible consultations, continuing treatment, rehabilitation and financial support.

As Ines continues to care for her granddaughter, her hope remains simple: that Desiree will receive the help she needs and be given the opportunity to live up to her abilities.