Through understanding Juan, Marina questioned society’s ways and ideals, her family’s principles and pledged to help Juan and his father to make their life better. Malou Jacob’s Juam Tamban came to be when she read a news item about a boy in the slum who ate insects and rat – a hot news item back then.
        She was moved with the boy’s story, did some research and interviews. Her story was staged in 1979 and recognized for it being well researched and the realistic portrayal of the country’s social problems.
Juan Tamban is just like many other kids on the streets – stripped of their rights to a home, justice and good food.

Reference:https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/373014/Local-News/Ang-Juan-Tamban#:~:text=Her%20story%20was%20staged%20in,home%2C%20justice%20and%20good%20food.