14-year-old girl in Lanao del Norte called ‘aswang’ because of her skin condition

A 14-year-old girl in Lanao del Norte has been bullied and called "aswang" by her neighbors because of her skin.

According to a "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" episode, Analia’s skin would darken and peel off. Her hair and her eyelashes have also fallen out.

She had difficulty moving her lips and speaking, because her skin would harden. Her mother Nor-ain said she had to assist Analia in bathing because her fingers were also crooked.

Even just taking a bath made her suffer, said Analia.

Not only did her skin peel, but it also felt itchy. To get some relief, she would put boiled bayabas leaves all over her body.

Her mom said that Analia had been suffering from this condition since she was born.

“Noong ipinanganak ko po siya ay nagdurugo po ang kanyang balat, mainit at nangangati siya,” Nor-ain said.

[When I gave birth to her, her skin was bleeding, her skin felt hot and itchy.]

Battling her condition since she was a child, Analia grew up wanting to become a doctor. However, she stopped going to school because she was bullied by her classmates.

Even her neighbors called her “aswang,” she said.

“Aswang dahil po sa itsura ko. Lumabas ako ng bahay at pinalo nila ako sa likod at umuwi ako. Binubully nila ako,” Analia shared.

[They called me aswang (monster) because of what I look like. One time, I went out of the house and they hit me at the back. I had to go home. They were bullying me.]

After a few years, Analia returned to school, despite fears that she would be getting insults again. However, she was surprised when everyone at school accepted her wholeheartedly.

Although Analia had been suffering with her skin disease since birth, her parents revealed that they never had her checked because they didn’t have enough money.

Her parents said they couldn’t even afford utensils at home so Analia had to eat using her own hands despite the difficulty.

“Napakahirap po, dahil wala po kaming pera, walang maipagamot sa akin,” Analia said.

[It’s so hard. Because we don’t have money, I can’t get treatment.]

Fortunately, with the help of the KMJS team, Analia finally saw a doctor.

According to Dr. Jema Bautista’s initial findings, Analia had a genetic disease called lamellar ichthyosis.

The doctor said the condition entailed a lifetime of pain and irregular shedding and growing of skin. She clarified however that Analia’s condition was not contagious.

To help out, the hospital gave Analia free medication.

After the initial visit, Analia was scheduled to undergo more laboratory examinations.

Barangay officials also helped Analia by talking to the community and helping them understand Analia’s condition and stop calling her names and to prevent bullying incidents.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the local government unit of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, also gave food packs and health kits to help the family and promised to provide financial and livelihood assistance. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News

For those who want to help Analia, please deposit to:
ACCOUNT NAME: BOCARI D. SARIP
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 4236-0363-11
LANDBANK-KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE BRANCH