March is a time to celebrate the resilience, strength, and boundless potential of women, and few embody these qualities more than Rosalie Madeja Morgado. A mother, a community worker, and a relentless dreamer, Rosalie defied the odds, proving that with perseverance and empowerment, a woman can uplift not just herself but an entire family.
“Kung para sa’yo, gagawa at gagawa ng paraan ang Panginoon para matupad ang mga pangarap, basta magpursigi at magsumikap,” she says, echoing the belief that has carried her and her family from the depths of poverty to the heights of success.
Rosalie, a 53-year-old resident of Barangay Alad Talisayan, Romblon, Romblon is blessed with six children.
Rosalie and her husband Arnulfo faced daunting financial challenges. Arnulfo worked tirelessly as a carpenter and barangay tanod, while Rosalie pursued tailoring and weaving mats, in addition to serving as a Barangay Health Worker. Despite their relentless efforts, their income was barely enough to meet their family’s basic needs, let alone their children’s educational aspirations.
“Maraming beses na kaming nangutang sa tindahan, kahit sa mga lending companies, pero madalas kaming tinatanggihan dahil sa dami ng utang namin,” Rosalie recalls.
Their modest home, made of bamboo and thatch, stood as a proof to their enduring struggles. Yet, amidst the hardships, Rosalie and Arnulfo held onto their dreams of a better future for their family.
In 2011, a turning point came when the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) included Rosalie’s family in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Initially unaware of the program’s potential impact, Rosalie soon realized its significance when their two youngest children began receiving educational support.
With the initial cash grant, Rosalie managed to cover essential expenses, particularly for their children’s education. By 2012, their eldest child graduated from college and found temporary work in a private school in Laguna.
“Nang makatapos siya at pumasa sa Licensure Examination for Teachers, parang unti-unting natutupad ang mga pangarap namin,” Rosalie shares, her voice filled with gratitude.
Their second child, supported by the Caritas Manila Foundation, was able to pursue college education. Meanwhile, their third child temporarily worked at a fast-food chain after high school, and their fourth child benefited from the CHED UniFast scholarship program, enabling him to study in Mindoro. Despite these advances, their journey was marred by sorrow when Arnulfo passed away unexpectedly in 2018.
“Ang pagkawala ng asawa ko ang pinakamalaking dagok sa buhay namin. Pero kailangan naming magpatuloy para sa mga anak namin,” Rosalie says, her resilience shining through.
Over the years, with the support of 4Ps and their unwavering determination, all four of Rosalie’s children completed their studies and secured stable jobs. Three of them, Ana Rose, Irish Joy, and Mark Kevin, are now public high school teachers, while Patrick serves as a police officer. Their second to the last child is preparing for the Accountancy licensure exam, and Rosalie dreams of seeing her youngest finish nursing school.
As a single parent, Rosalie also aspires to start a small business to provide additional income for their family’s needs. Her improved financial literacy, gained through the Family Development Sessions (FDS), has empowered her to manage their resources better. She also remains an active participant in community activities, emphasizing the importance of giving back.
“Gusto kong ipakita sa kapwa beneficiaries na may pag-asa, na kayang umangat kahit sa pinakamahirap na sitwasyon. Magpursigi lang tayo at magtiwala sa Diyos,” Rosalie encourages.
Reflecting on their journey, Rosalie is profoundly grateful for the changes the 4Ps program brought into their lives. Their once dilapidated home now stands sturdier, and they have managed to pay off their debts.
“Ang dating mga pangarap na tila imposible, unti-unti nang nagiging realidad. Ang tagumpay ng mga anak ko ay tagumpay ko rin,” she proudly declares.
From the depths of borrowing hope to the heights of realizing boundless dreams, the Morgado family’s journey is a poignant reminder of faith and hard work as powerful synergy to reach their fullest potential. Rosalie’s untiring belief in God’s plan and her family’s relentless determination have turned their once-impossible dreams into a vibrant reality. (Precious Charisse F. Dalisay/DSWD MIMAROPA)
