In life, there will always be situations that make one feel inferior, demotivated, or hopeless. However, looking at Jovelyn, who took a different path and achieved success in her chosen field, one can believe that nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it. This woman continues to inspire others to strive for more despite having less.

Jovelyn is a 41 year old solo parent from Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, who has been raising her children alone for almost eight years. Her struggles began when her loving husband was diagnosed with lung cancer and heart disease, eventually passing away on January 20, 2020. The transition was extremely difficult for her and her children, as none of their relatives offered a helping hand. She felt as if her world had been placed inside a snow globe and shaken violently.

The shock and trauma of the first year after her husband’s death were debilitating. Their house was flooded with letters from loan institutions and cooperatives from which they had borrowed money to cover her husband’s hospitalization and medical expenses. She felt helpless, especially because she suffers from an orthopedic condition that causes pain and dysfunction in her bones and joints, even during normal daily activities. Despite these sufferings, she never gave up on life. Instead, she moved forward, drawing inspiration from her children.

In March 2020, she started working as a farm laborer, earning 400 pesos per day. She saved diligently and used her hard-earned money—amounting to 10,000 pesos—to plant her own crops. The income generated from this endeavor helped her gradually pay off her loans and cover her children’s daily expenses.

She is not just a loving wife, mother, and farmer but also a dedicated community organizer. In 2019, she served as one of the Barangay Volunteers of Bua, Kasibu. She joined nurses and midwives in their health awareness activities, often walking kilometers to reach children’s homes for vaccinations, despite being a person with a disability (PWD). According to her, this was her way of giving back for the financial assistance her family received from the government during her husband’s illness.

Because of her dedication and perseverance, the Barangay Captain encouraged her to run for the Barangay Elections. At first, she was hesitant, but the people who believed in her insisted, and she eventually won a seat as the only female councilor in their Barangay.

Jovelyn has always stood up for what she believes in, even when it was difficult. With numerous rape cases recorded in the Barangay, especially among 4Ps beneficiaries, she has been a strong advocate for the victims. She accompanies them from medical check-ups to court hearings, urging them not to trade their dignity and justice for money or livestock. Whenever she is absent from Family Development Sessions (FDS), the Municipal Link immediately knows she is on her “hero mode” again—fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves.

As a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary, Jovelyn has witnessed firsthand how the program has transformed lives, including her own. She never misses FDS except for extremely important matters. She always sits in the front row to fully understand the discussions and writes down all her takeaways, ensuring the Municipal Link signs her notebook before she leaves. She also volunteered as one of the facilitators and organizers during the Bata Balik Eskwela Campaign of 4Ps Bua on July 18, 2022, using her connections to secure funds for its successful implementation.

In the past, her children would complain about not having an allowance, but thanks to the educational grants they receive through 4Ps, she no longer hears such complaints. Instead, they now proudly invite her to their schools to pin medals on their chests as awardees in their respective grade levels. During an FDS, Jovelyn proudly shared how the program has enriched her knowledge of various life values and lessons, such as financial management and responsible parenthood.

Although Jovelyn admits that they still have a long way to go in achieving a stable and comfortable life, she believes they can overcome challenges with perseverance, financial discipline, and a strong foundation of togetherness.

4Ps has given her the opportunity to stand up not only for herself but also for others. It has paved the way for her to gain self-confidence, which she continues to use to pursue the dreams she has for herself and her children. As a “kakaiba-baihan”, Jovelyn is a woman who understands that success must be earned through perseverance, dedication, and the courage to step out of her comfort zone. Despite her life circumstances and disability, she embodies all these characteristics. She is indeed a true kakaiba-baihan—a woman of strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.

(Written by Daisy Gannaban, Municipal Link of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya)