Born and raised in a humble fishing village, Jerome's fascination with the sea began at a young age. Spending countless afternoons by the shore, he would dream of exploring the world beyond the small island he called home. He witnessed how hard his parents worked to make ends meet; his father was a fisherman while his mother sold the day’s catch in the local market. Jerome was determined to chart his own course and provide for their needs.
After completing high school, Jerome was certain about his calling—to become a seaman. The idea of roaming around the world on a mighty ship, coupled with the opportunity to financially support to his parents, fueled his ambition. At 24, Jerome signed up for his first work contract as a seafarer.
Driven by a sense of duty and love for his family, Jerome dedicated himself to his calling. Every month, he would send funds to his parents to help build a small backyard hog raising business. During breaks in between contracts, Jerome would spend time with his parents and see how his hard work has resulted in developments at home. He would also help them in their day-to-day tasks, such as fixing the house, accompanying his mother to her medical appointments, and shouldering household expenses.
One day, after accompanying her mother to her check-up, Jerome offered to fix an electrical wire in the pig pen for his father. Sensing that his son was capable to get the job done, Jerome’s father proceeded to rest. It had been a humid afternoon.
As Jerome worked on the electrical wiring, it started to rain. He didn’t notice that one end of the exposed live wires fell into a puddle which he accidentally stepped on. Jerome was fatally electrocuted. His father found him unconscious on the floor moments later. He was rushed to the nearest provincial hospital but failed to make it there alive.
Unknowingly, Jerome had prepared for this tragedy. Three years earlier, he visited the neighborhood BDO branch, where a BDO Life Financial Advisor convinced him to take out a life insurance plan with long term savings. He had long wanted to start a long term savings program but didn’t quite know how best to begin. This was something he could leave behind for his parents if anything were to happen to him while at sea, or something for himself after he bids goodbye to his sailing years.
His parents were devastated. They have always been proud of their boy—the loving, generous, and responsible son that he was to them. Jerome had always dreamt of expanding their family’s modest piggery venture. He had also dreamt of putting up a small sari-sari store for his mother. “So that you will always have money of your own even after I get married,” he used to say.
As he intended it, Jerome’s life insurance proceeds went to expanding his parents’ micro piggery business and starting the sari-sari store for his mother.
Jerome's story is a testament to the power of hope and honor. It underscores the importance of having a Plan B to safeguard the future of those who are financially reliant on their breadwinners.
As in Jerome’s case, BDO Life’s insurance policy can provide security and peace of mind, at every stage of life. For more information on life insurance and investment solutions, please visit a nearby BDO branch or www.bdo.com.ph/bdo-life.
