FEATURE: ‘Dugo ken Pawis Ko Daytoy’: Teacher family loses home to fire in Tabuk City

Tabuk City, Kalinga – It was not just a house; it was a home built through sweat and personal labor. This was the sentiment of Roland Michael Asperin, a teacher at Bulanao Central School, who could not help but become emotional after their house in Purok 1, Calanan was completely destroyed by fire on January 20.

In an interview, Roland recalled that his two younger children—aged 8 and 3—were left at home with their grandmother on the day of the incident. The 8-year-old stayed at the house because he was experiencing a toothache.

He added that he was in the middle of teaching when he received a call from one of their barangay kagawads, informing him that their house was on fire. After seeking permission from the school principal and asking a co-teacher to cover his class, Roland rushed home, where he was met by personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection and community volunteers working to extinguish the blaze that had engulfed their house.

Despite the heartbreaking sight, his first instinct was to look for his children and their grandmother, who were all found safe. Although none of their belongings were saved—including the motorcycle he purchased using his early salaries from the Department of Education—Roland expressed gratitude that no casualties were recorded.

“Agpasalamat nak lattan ta at least awan iti natay. Nasakit lang talaga iti riknak ta kasta garud iti napasamak iti balay mi,” he said.

Built through personal labor

Unable to hold back his tears during the interview, Roland shared that the house held deep sentimental value for him and his wife. Before becoming a DepEd teacher, he worked as a skilled carpenter and personally built most of the house when his wife began teaching.

“Dayta balay mi, idi naka-in ni baket, siyak nagman-mando dita. Almost 60–70 percent [of the house], siyak iti nagtrabaho nga maymaysak. Nu adda man kadwak, inayabak nga nag-labor. Siyak iti nagpalitada, nangikabil iti hamba, doors… Diay dugo ken pawis ko, haan ko nga masubalitan ta siyak karamihan iti nagaramid. Isu nga kastoy nga permi sakit iti riknak,” he shared.

At present, Roland, his wife, and their four children are temporarily staying at a church. He said they have received initial assistance from both the government and private individuals, for which he is deeply thankful.

“Permi iti ragsak ko met nga nangkita idi adda da nga umay tumulong. Haan kami met age-expect nga adu iti maitulong, ngem nu adda iti maited da nga bassit, nga from the heart, agyam-yaman kami unay,” he expressed.

Those who wish to extend assistance to the family may send donations to Roland Michael Asperin’s GCash account: 09606138177.