I-Witness: 'Teacher Annie,' a documentary by Kara David | Full episode (with English subtitles)

Teacher Annie embarks on a weekly journey to Sitio Labo, one of the most remote communities in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro. Her path involves traversing cliffs, rivers, and mountains to reach the indigenous Mangyan people. Despite the dangers and difficulties, she perseveres, highlighting her dedication to her students, a mission she feels is her true calling, differing significantly from her previous work in a private school.

Upon arriving at Sitio Labo, Teacher Annie and the crew witness the harsh realities of the community, which lacks electricity and clean water. The journey to the school involves crossing 16 rivers, some waist-deep during floods. The community's resilience is evident, as children brave the elements just to attend school, carrying books that often get delayed due to bad weather. Teacher Annie and her co-teacher, Krel, conduct classes for both children and adults, emphasizing the importance of shared resources and mutual support within the community.

The documentary introduces Dina, a 20-year-old Mangyan student who, along with her younger siblings, is still in kindergarten due to a previous ban on schooling for her family. Dina's strong desire to learn, despite her age, touches Teacher Annie. However, Dina's commitment to education is constantly challenged by her family responsibilities, particularly caring for her ailing mother. Dina frequently misses school to work and earn money for her mother's medication and family's necessities.

Dina's primary source of income comes from harvesting bananas in the deep forest. After a recent typhoon, the harvest is meager. With the help of her community, she gathers enough bananas to sell. The arduous task of transporting the heavy load, especially over rough terrain, highlights her perseverance. Despite her hard work, she earns only 144 Philippine pesos (approximately 3 USD) for two hours of labor and travel. This small sum is barely enough to buy her mother's essential medication, forcing her to prioritize medicine over food for her family.

Teacher Annie's compassion extends beyond teaching; she and Teacher Krel often provide food and other necessities to Dina's family in exchange for Dina's help with household chores. The documentary concludes with Teacher Annie's decision to remain in Sitio Labo, rejecting an offer for a more comfortable teaching position in the lowlands. Her dedication stems from a deep sense of responsibility and love for the Mangyan community, affirming her belief that her mission to inspire and empower them is her true calling.