Calmness in the face of adversity has proven to be one of the most effective ways to stay focused and overcome life’s challenges. This idea was famously captured by the iconic phrase, “Keep Calm and Carry On,” which has since adorned everything from posters and mugs to t-shirts and wall art. Because of its enduring message, it has become a global symbol of resilience and optimism.

In the municipality of Juban, Sorsogon, a barangay named Calmayon has the same principle as the global sensation “Keep Calm and Carry On”. According to Jonathan Jazareno, a 49-year-old barangay chairperson, in the 1800s, as the community continued to grow, an assembly was conducted, and there was a heated argument among the participants.

“…dahil doon sabi ng isa, kasi ‘yung isa ay highblood na, ‘kumalma ka at makiayon’. So ngayon, dahil sa kumalma yung isa ‘yun na ang naipangalan sa barangay Calmayon,” he recounted.

(because of this, someone said, because you are fuming in anger, ‘calm down and go along with the group’. Since he calmed down, that phrase ended up inspiring the name of our barangay Calmayon.)

The phrase “Kumalma ka at Makiayon” became the community’s reminder of progress rooted in calmness and unity. This was best exemplified by Christopher L. Gracilla, a community volunteer turned barangay official and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) chairperson.

Christopher started as a community volunteer of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in 2015. He first handled the implementation of the evacuation center, which was funded under the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP) with a total project cost of PHP 2,898,731.00, benefiting 16 households.

Christopher enjoys joining organizations in the barangay because he feels like that might be where his journey as a good role model for the youth begins, and for fellow community members.

“…bilang isang residente ng Calmayon, bakit hindi natin simulan na mag-participate dito sa organisasyon na wala naman [hinihingi] at saka may maitutulong pa sa barangay po?” he thought.

(…as a resident of Calmayon, I thought, why not start participating in organizations that don’t ask for much but can contribute something meaningful to the barangay?)

As a community volunteer for years, he also experienced various challenges and one of his greatest problems was receiving negative reactions from other community members. Christopher overcame it because of his strong resolve and the guidance from the program.

“Masaya na naging parte ka ng KALAHI-CIDSS, dahil ang KALAHI-CIDSS laging andyan. Andyan kaagapay mo, laging nagbibigay sayo ng advice, lahat pantay-pantay,” he shared.

(I’m happy to have been part of KALAHI-CIDSS because KALAHI-CIDSS is always there. It’s always by your side, always giving you advice, and everyone is treated equally.)

DEEP-ROOTED TREE

The O&M chairperson also felt fulfilled when he was a community volunteer, as he saw the community work so hard to implement the subprojects.

“Ang sarap sa pakiramdam, ‘Hay, salamat! Ang lahat ng pinaghirapan namin natupad, nagawa ng maayos at hanggang ngayon mapapakinabangan pa hanggang sa susunod na henerasyon,’” he said.

(It feels so good, ‘Hay, thank you! Everything we worked hard for has come true, was done properly, and even now, it can still be used and benefited from by future generations.)

As a former community volunteer, Christopher compared his journey to a tree that, whatever happens, even when its leaves fall, the tree remains. And it will grow and flourish again.

He also added that the falling leaves symbolized the problems, storms, and challenges they have encountered as a community, but as long as the roots of the tree, same as their determination, are planted firmly in the ground, the tree will still stand.

“Titindig at titindig siya, magiging larawan siya ng mga susunod na henerasyon at bilang isang community volunteer ginawa namin ang aming responsibilidad. Ang puno kapag bumunga ito, napapakinabanganan ng marami,” he stated.

(It will keep standing and become a symbol for future generations, and as a community volunteer, we fulfilled our responsibilities. A tree, when it bears fruit, benefits many.)

FOR THE COMING YEARS

Until now, Christopher continues to be rooted in his community’s principles. He maintained his volunteer heart even while serving as a barangay official by being the lead person in charge of maintaining the completed subprojects.

To ensure the upkeep of the subprojects, Christopher often conducts dialogue with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) to plan strategies for the sustainability of subprojects. They also created resolutions that were submitted to the Congress, Senate, and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) for possible funding. The O&M group also requests funding from the barangay for maintenance.

“And dapat talaga transparent para mabigay din kung ano po yung pangangailangan po. And then po sa community namin inalam po talaga namin kung ano pa yung pangangailangan para mapabilis pa ang kailangan sa pag-maintenance. And lagi naman naka-support ang barangay,” he explained.

(And transparency is really important so that the needs can be properly addressed. In our community, we also identified what else was needed to speed up the maintenance work. And the barangay has always been supportive.)

Christopher shared that meetings are held twice a month wherein issues are tackled collectively, together with the barangay officials. A meeting together with other community volunteers, was also conducted to discuss what the community should do next to improve the subprojects.

Some of the subprojects implemented under the KALAHI-CIDSS are (1) Construction of Concrete Pathway, (2) Construction of Footbridge, (3) Footbridge, (4) Concreting of Pathway, (5) Construction of Day Care Center, (6) Construction of Evacuation Center, (7) Concreting of Pathway, (8) Provision of Amenities to Two (2) Units of Child Development Center, and (9) Cash-for-Work for Clearing and Improvement of Road Shoulder.

He also highlighted the importance of strong support from the community members to ensure the operations and maintenance of the subprojects implemented.

“Pangalagaan ito kasi habang tumatagal nakikita niyo ang pagod na binigay ng mga volunteer at mga opisyales ng Barangay Calmayon,” he said.

(Let us take care of them because, over time, you will see the hard work given by the volunteers and the officials of Barangay Calmayon.)

Using his experience when he was a volunteer, Christopher learned the importance of cherishing what you have.

“Masasabi ko na parang isang konkreto na pader na habang inaalagan, merong naggagabay, nakatindig pa rin kahit umulan o bumagyo, andyan pa rin. Kaya ang lesson ng mga karamihan sa amin, huwag mong iwan kong anong meron ka. Kung saan ka nagsimula, balikan mo. Kasi iyon ‘yung magpapadama sayo ng saya,” he advised.

(I can say that it’s like being a solid wall as long as it’s cared for and guided, it remains standing even through rain or storms. That’s why the lesson most of us have learned is not to abandon what you have. Go back to where you started, because that’s what will bring you true happiness.)

In a barangay known for its name as calmness and cooperation, Christopher is a living representation and the spirit of “Kumalma ka at Makiayon” is not just a story of the past but a principle that continues to direct the future of Calmayon. Every conversation, every action, and every conflict is resolved by trust and understanding as long as you keep calm and participate.