In an inspiring display of human resilience, former Unitedville chairman Samuel Mendoza has made a remarkable recovery nearly one year after suffering a catastrophic accident that left him comatose. Mendoza, who previously led the small community, collapsed while performing maintenance work in the village reservoir in December 2024, triggering nationwide prayers for his recovery organized by the National Association of Village Councils.
Against medical odds, Mendoza has not only regained consciousness but has returned to active service within his community. Though no longer serving in his official capacity as chairman, he has joined the Ministry of Infrastructure’s work crew, dedicating himself to rebuilding the very water system that nearly claimed his life.
In an emotional interview, Mendoza expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during his recovery. “Thank God I’m alive most of all,” he stated, acknowledging his ongoing recovery process. “I’m feeling not one hundred percent like I used to, but I feel some sort of eighty, eighty-odd percent.”
The former chairman recounted the day of the accident with limited recollection, explaining, “I went to clean out the reservoir and while in there I just collapsed. I don’t recall much.” Despite the trauma, Mendoza’s commitment to his community remains unwavering: “I tried to do my best for the village then, and even now I still participate and help out with the water system and anything in the village.”
Mendoza specifically thanked those who supported him through his recovery, emphasizing the difficulty of his journey: “What I went through was nothing easy. I would like to thank them for the prayers and having me in their thoughts.” His story stands as a testament to community solidarity and personal determination, representing a rare positive development amid Unitedville’s ongoing water crisis challenges.