Sam ‘SV’ Verzosa immerses himself with family living under a bridge for almost 2 decades

MANILA, Philippines – Tutok to Win Party-list Representative Sam “SV” Verzosa experienced the struggles of a family who lives under a bridge in Quezon City.

The Diaz family makes a living selling sampaguita leis and collecting plastics/tin cans from the river below their make shift house.

During his immersion with the family, Verzosa not only learned how to make sampaguita leis  but also witnessed the Diaz family’s dedication to collecting recyclables, such as plastics and tin cans from the river to be sold in junk shops.

“Matagal na po kami nagtitinda ng sampaguita at nakakatuwa po na makita si Sir Sam na tinutulungan niya kami gumawa. First time niya daw po makita kung paano ito ginagawa,” Melody Diaz shared.

Amazed by the Diaz family’s resilience, the party-list representative facilitated the opening of a bank account for them, recognizing their nine-month effort to save money in a piggy bank.

“Talagang iniipon nila yung mga kinikita nila sa pangangalakal. Nakakatuwa kasi nakikita mo yung saya at fulfillment sa paghulog ng mga bata ng barya sa piggy bank. Kaya naisip ko tulungan sila mag open ng kanilang bank account,”  Verzosa said.

Verzosa also provided the Diaz family with grocery packages and schools supplies for the children to address their immediate needs.

“Sobra sobra po ito sir. Malaking tulong po ito, parang nanaginip po ako. Bibigyan ko din po mga kapitbahay ko,” Melody said.

Long-term aid

To address the long-term needs of the family, Verzosa also gifted them a vegetable stall in the local market, providing them with a sustainable livelihood to uplift their lives.

“Dito po sa programa natin na Dear SV, pangmatagalang solusyon ang binibigay natin. Mahirap kasi yung magbibigay ka lang. Mauubos din yun eh. Dapat tutok tayo sa kanilang pag angat, para win tayong lahat.”

Witness the story of the Diaz family on Dear SV, every Saturday at 11:30 pm on GMA 7, and online through GMA Network’s YouTube channel.