Just like the picturesque mountains that conquered the test of times, she stands with pride and grace. Just like the fluffy clouds that kiss the royal blue skies, she thinks of big dreams with eyes that shine with determination.
“Ang buhay naman ay parang pelikula, pangit man ang simula, nasasayo yun kung papano mo pagagandahin ang istorya, para maging happy ending,” said the forty-three year old who earned the respect of her community.
Julieta B. Ramalloza, is a Parent Leader of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the municipality of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. As part of her duties as a leader beneficiary, she relays information to her members about the schedule of Family Development Sessions. She also shares to them updates and announcements about the program.
Aling Juliet, as she is called, has many involvements in her barangay, Kongkong Valley. Aside from being a Parent Leader, she also performs other little heroic deeds that make her loved by her fellows.
MORE THAN JUST A PARENT LEADER
Aside from being a Parent Leader, Aling Juliet is also a Barangay Health Worker. Every first Wednesday of the month, she walks terrains and climbs mountains to give vaccine and Vitamin C to children. Aling Juliet is also a member of the Community Health Team.
She is also active in the different organizations of her children’s school, as the Secretary for the Parents-Teachers and Community Association (PTCA) and Treasurer of Kongkong Valley National High School.
“Masaya ako na kahit sa simple kong paraan, ay nakakatulong ako sa mga kapwa ko. Yan ang pinakamalaking pagbabago na idinulot ng Pantawid sa akin, nagkaroon ako ng pakialam sa kapwa ko at sa aking lipunan,” Aling Julieta started.
Following her statement, she said that she used to be apathetic about her surroundings. But when the program came to her life, everything has changed.
Now, Aling Juliet is endearing to all the barangay folks. Everywhere she goes, she is greeted with happy and smiling faces. “Nakakatuwa, ang sarap sa pakiramdam na kilala nila ako at kahit hindi ako nakakaangat sa buhay ay, nirerespeto nila ako. At yan yung ipinagmamalaki ko,” she said.
Many problems already entered the Ramalloza’s residence, but they never waved the white flag. Instead, they continue to have faith that someday, they will have a better life. And it is Aling Juliet who fuels her family’s spirit since she is also a Lector and an Eucharistic Minister in their Parish Church.
Meanwhile, Aling Juliet’s husband, Roger, endures the pain of being away from the family just to earn as a Carpenter. He only comes home during weekends. Thus, Mang Roger makes sure that they will have a quality family bonding together.
PROUD PARENTS
Aling Juliet and Mang Roger are blessed with five children,: Ivy Joy, 20 years old; Justin, 18 years old; Roger Jr, 16 years old; Julie Ann, 12 years old; and Jeniffer, 9 years old.
Roger Jr. is currently 1st year college student at Nueva Vizcaya State University- Bambang taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. He was offered with a 100% scholarship by University of the Cordilleras (UC) and the University of Cagayan Valley (UV) but declined since it is far from their residence.
The young Jennifer is also doing well in her class. Aside from academic recognitions, Jennifer is also given applause for being a dancer. She captures the hearts of the audience whenever she grooves in the center stage.
GREEN LIVING
The wide backyard of the Ramalloza’s residence is adorned with many ornamental plants, fruit bearing trees and vegetables. Name it, they have it! From papaya, ampalaya, talong, kamote, and even the delicious dragon fruit!
PROPER UTILIZATION OF CASH GRANTS
Since the beneficiaries from Kasibu implemented the scheme of liquidating their cash grants, Aling Julieta uses the money for the school needs of her children. She even bragged that she already paid the contributions of her children.
Because she knows that the cash grant given by Pantawid is just an augmentation support, Aling Julieta also put up a little business. She is a dealer for different beauty products like AVON and Natasha.
“Nagtayo ako ng konting pagkakakitaan para mas matugunan pa naming ang pangangailangan ng mga bata. Maganda naman kasi may mga customer talaga ako,” Aling Julieta happily shared.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program motivated them to strive more for the improvement of their well-being. Thus, Aling Julieta strongly opposed the claims that the program teaches its beneficiaries to be lazy and be dependent on the government.
“Ang nakukuha po naming sa programa ay P1, 400 lang kada buwan, na pandagdag po. Kaya nga po Pantawid eh, kasi tinutulungan kaming maitawid ang mga pangangailangan ng mga bata, sa mga gamot at gamit sa paaralan,” she said.
For the Ramalloza family, the Pantawid is their key to enter the world wherein their dreams have come true. With the children’s perseverance and the parents’ dedications, the family is on the right track towards a more sustainable life. ###By MARICEL B. ASEJO, Pantawid Information Officer II