In a world where achievement is often measured by titles and wealth, there are unsung heroes whose impact is felt in the hearts of communities. Sixty-year-old Elsa de Torres, a microentrepreneur from Barangay Caloocan, Talisay, Batangas, is one such figure.
Tita Elsa, as she is known in the community, is a microinsurance agent and the Mutual Benefit Association (MBA) Coordinator of a microfinance institution (MFI) that operates in Talisay. Known for her unwavering commitment to helping others, Elsa’s journey is one of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of community support.
Community leader
Elsa has been a microfinance member for 15 years. Her leadership qualities quickly became apparent and she became an officer of their center in Caloocan 4. While her MFI provides different social and financial services like loans, savings, education, health, and training, Elsa considers microinsurance to be one of its most important offerings. She has seen firsthand how it helps members in times of crisis, like when there is a death in the family or when disasters happen.
In 2015, her co-members nominated her to be their MBA coordinator, tasked to promote microinsurance products and validate claims to ensure the prompt delivery of members’ benefits. In this role, Elsa became a pillar of support for those in need. But little did she know that her true test of leadership would come in October, when Typhoon Kristine wreaked havoc on her beloved community.
Day that changed everything
Oct. 24, 2024, is a date that will always be remembered by the people of Talisay. Typhoon Kristine, with its unrelenting force, left a trail of destruction—homes destroyed, lives lost, and livelihoods shattered. The grief and despair that blanketed the town in the storm’s aftermath were palpable. Amid the devastation and despite her own family being affected, Elsa did not waver in fulfilling her role as MBA coordinator. She checked on the situation of their members even as floods surged and many roads became impassable.
“I felt that it was my responsibility to be there. I wanted to ensure that affected families will be assisted, especially those who have lost loved ones,” Elsa shared, her voice steady despite the weight of the experience. Concern for her co-members gave her the courage to venture out in Kristine’s aftermath, as she wanted to promptly validate microinsurance claims so people affected can receive their financial benefits that very same day. She knew that they urgently needed funds to cover the funeral expenses of their relatives, as well as to buy food and other necessities.
Helping each other
Despite the devastation, Elsa found solace in witnessing the true strength of their community. Even as they faced their own hardships, neighbors reached out to one another, offering a helping hand in any way they could. The sense of unity was undeniable.
Their MFI’s quick response was a lifeline to many. The organization provided food to the affected families, enough to sustain them for a day, ensuring no one went hungry in the typhoon’s immediate aftermath. With Elsa’s help, it promptly released the microinsurance claims of members who had lost loved ones. No matter how small the amount, it provided invaluable relief to grieving families.
Support also poured in from various government agencies and private organizations. This collaborative effort significantly eased the burden of the community, and Elsa’s heart swelled with gratitude for the outpouring of generosity and compassion from every corner.
Lessons learned
In the wake of Typhoon Kristine, Elsa has come to recognize the importance of preparedness and vigilance. She reminds family and friends to always be alert when there is an incoming storm. She stresses that people must always heed authorities’ evacuation orders for their safety.
Beyond the lessons on disaster preparedness, Elsa holds one message close to her heart: “Be kind,” she urges. “We never know how long we will be here in this world, and it’s the good we do for others that leaves a lasting impact.”
As the people of Talisay rebuild their lives, they do so with the knowledge that there are true friends and leaders like Elsa, whose steadfast support inspires hope in their community.