Life has never been easy for Rowena Villanueva Tumaca, a 44-year-old mother and wife from Purok 4, Indiana, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. But despite the countless challenges she has faced, she continues to stand tall with unwavering determination, proving that true strength lies in perseverance and an unbreakable spirit. She is married to Victor Tumaca, and together, they have built a humble life with their three sons. Though their journey has been filled with struggles, Rowena has never allowed hardships to define her—rather, she has used them as stepping stones toward self-growth and resilience.

Rowena was not born with a visual disability. As a child, she lived like any other, enjoying the simple joys of life. However, fate had a different path for her. When she was young, she fell seriously ill, and the illness affected her eyesight. Over time, she lost vision in one eye, leaving her with only partial sight in the other. For many, such a condition would have been a reason to slow down, to step back from life’s challenges. But for Rowena, it became a reason to push forward even harder. She refused to let her partial blindness limit her potential. She knew that challenges would come, but she made a promise to herself—to never stop learning, to never stop growing, and to never let anything hinder her from achieving her dreams.

Life as a person with a disability was never easy, especially in a society where opportunities for PWDs remain scarce. Rowena had to work twice as hard to prove her worth, not only to others but also to herself. She learned to adapt to her condition, developing a deep sense of independence and resilience. To support her family, she ventured into small-scale entrepreneurship, using her cooking skills to prepare and sell local delicacies like biko, puto, and pancit. Every dish she made was a labor of love, a testament to her unwavering determination to provide for her loved ones. She also made use of their land, planting vegetables such as string beans, tomatoes, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and sweet potatoes, ensuring that their family had both food on the table and a means of livelihood.

Despite her daily struggles, Rowena never stopped seeking knowledge. She knew that education and skills training would open doors for her, so she grabbed every opportunity she could find. She attended various training programs, including dressmaking, leadership training through her church in 1999, and skills training in meat processing and computer literacy. Her thirst for learning never faded, and she continued to equip herself with skills that would help her become more self-sufficient. She strongly believed that knowledge is a tool for empowerment, and she used it to improve not just her life but also the lives of those around her.

One of the turning points in Rowena’s life was becoming a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Before she became part of the program, she and her family struggled with extreme poverty, limited access to education, and lack of healthcare services. There were times when putting food on the table was a challenge, and one of her most heartbreaking experiences was seeing her child fall seriously ill without enough money for medical expenses. But when she joined 4Ps, things started to change. Through the financial aid, healthcare support, and capacity-building programs, Rowena was able to provide better opportunities for her children while also learning how to manage her household more effectively. The program did not just give her financial support—it gave her hope.

Rowena’s leadership potential soon became evident, and she took on the role of a Parent Leader for more than eight years. Her strong sense of responsibility and compassion for others made her a beacon of hope for fellow members of the community. She also became the President of the Persons with Disability (PWD) Organization in her barangay, where she actively advocated for equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It was not always an easy journey—leading a diverse group of people meant dealing with different personalities, concerns, and challenges. But Rowena embraced it all with patience and dedication. For her, leadership was not just about guiding others—it was about listening, understanding, and inspiring people to believe in themselves.

Despite the difficulties she faced, Rowena never allowed her disability or her struggles to dictate her future. She firmly believed that women, regardless of their circumstances, have the power to rise, lead, and create change. Her journey as a mother, a leader, and a woman with a disability is a testament to the strength that lies within every individual who dares to dream and work hard for a better future.

For Rowena, the 4Ps was more than just a financial assistance initiative—it was a stepping stone toward self-sufficiency and empowerment. It taught her the value of saving, the importance of perseverance, and the significance of embracing struggles as opportunities for growth. Today, she stands as a living proof that no hardship, disability, or limitation can stop a determined heart from achieving greatness.

Rowena proudly considers herself a KAKAIBABAIHAN—a woman of courage, perseverance, and an unshakable will. She has broken barriers, defied expectations, and shown that a woman’s strength knows no bounds. Her story serves as an inspiration, not just for women but for anyone who has ever faced adversity. She wants the world to know that women are not just meant to stay behind the scenes—they are powerful, capable, and integral to building a better society.

With her unwavering faith, determination, and endless pursuit of learning, Rowena continues to make a difference in her community. She is a true example of what it means to rise above difficulties and turn struggles into victories. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience, and she hopes that her story will inspire others to never give up, no matter how difficult the road may be.

“Women are not just supporters at home; they are pillars of change in society!”

 

Written by: Michelle B. Dela Cruz (Municipal Link – Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya)