In the mountainous heart of Don Salvador Benedicto, where roads wind through mist and typhoons leave more than just fallen branches, resilience is not a word—it’s a lifestyle. Life in these uplands is shaped by both nature’s beauty and its brutality: landslides and El Niño are carved into the isolated terrain.

But even in these conditions, hope takes root.

Progress doesn't roar—it often whispers, teaches, and shows up every day. That’s how you’ll meet Mesel, a mother, housewife, and community leader—not in a spotlight, but in the heart of her community.

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A Woman’s Personal Mission

At 40 years old, Mesel leads a life that’s deeply grounded in service. With four children, a farmer husband, and modest means, her daily routine could easily be consumed solely focused on survival. Instead, she has chosen a different path—one that uplifts others alongside herself.

For nearly a decade, Mesel has been a steady force. A housewife, mother of four, and community leader, she has poured her time and energy into uplifting women and youth through the Kalambuan Federation and the local women’s associations.

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Where Women Find Their Voice

Kalambuan is part of a broader movement called SHEG—the group—founded on two core goals: women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation. In communities where women are often seen only as caregivers, SHEG opens doors for them to be recognized as entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and environmental leaders.

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Under Mesel’s leadership as President, small enterprises are being launched which members operate and manage, including a community-run sari-sari (small variety store) and a farm feed store, which brings them both income and purpose. She trains new members, strengthens policies, and mentors women who are just beginning to find their voice. Despite the challenges—like limited funding and the sheer distance between mountain homes—she never stops showing up.

Her reason is simple:

“If we don’t help each other, who will?”

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Supporting Advocacy 

Mesel’s involvement with Nayon grew from her desire to expand her advocacy, combining local action with broader support systems to help her community and environment. Through collaboration with Nayon and BCDCI, she began advocating for safe, sustainable cooking methods like using the Buhay stove—safer for families and kinder to the planet. For her, cooking is not a domestic issue; it’s a health, environmental, and gender issue all at once. 

“Clean cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about life. It’s about protecting lungs, forests, and futures.”

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Protecting What Sustains Us

Mesel’s environmental work extends beyond clean cooking. She is a vocal advocate for reforestation, waste segregation, and ecological responsibility. Her philosophy—"replace and restore"—is both a call to action and a cultural mindset. For every tree cut down, another must be planted.

These actions aren’t grand gestures. They’re practical, community-driven, and scalable. 

Her future goals:

• Minimize tree-cutting
  
  
• Promote waste management and plastic reduction
  
  
• Plant fruit-bearing trees that support both income and nutrition
  
  
• Teach families to treat the environment as both home and heritage
  
  

Her vision:

• A peaceful, thriving community where basic services like education and healthcare are accessible
  
  
• A strong network of women and youth leaders, empowered to speak up and act
  
  
• Sustainable livelihoods supported by local enterprises and environmental protection
  
  

Investing In The Future

Mesel’s connection with Nayon goes far beyond environmental work—it reaches deep into the heart of her community, especially to the youth who are at risk of dropping out of school due to poverty, long travel distances, or lack of family support. Together with Nayon and local schools, she helps identify these vulnerable students and engages them through one-on-one mentoring, skills training, and family outreach. She also encourages their involvement in environmental activities as a way to build confidence and a sense of purpose. For both Mesel and Nayon, youth leadership is not optional—it’s essential.

“If they understand their role today, they can protect our tomorrow.”

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Why Mesel’s Story Matters

In a world of fast headlines and fleeting campaigns, Mesel reminds us of something deeper: real change takes time, trust, and community.

In rural highland villages where government programs are thin and roads are rough, women like Mesel are building bridges—with no blueprint but with perseverance.

Her leadership proves that when women are trusted and resourced, they do more than survive.

‍They lead.

They build.

They transform.