A COMMUNITY volunteer from Capiz was recently awarded as Huwarang Ama of Sigma.
Ariel Julian Amboan, a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program since 2011, won as Huwarang Ama of the town for this year.
Ariel, 42, years old, is the leader of the Advent Rescue Motorized Group founded in 2009. Its main goal is to provide first aid in the streets and promote road safety. So far, they have saved people’s lives by assisting during accidents and brining the injured to the hospital.
They wear complete protective gear to show how important it is to follow the rules for the protection of motorists.
Ariel was given a chance to be a parent leader and showed his leadership skills. His wife, Carmen Frias Amboan, 39, works as a barangay health worker. They were blessed with two wonderful daughters, April Grace Fria Amboan, 13, now in grade 7 and Kharyl Joy Frias Amboan, 11, now in Grade 6.
Both are achievers and have received awards since primary school.
MODEL FAMILY
The Amboan Family believes that nothing in life is more fulfilling than being a medium of help to those who are in need. For them, life is about sharing; Sharing the words of God, even if it means not having people believe you and sharing what you have, even if it means losing a part of yourself.
They believe that the true essence of life is being able to give more, even if you get to have less.
As a missionary, they uphold their Christian beliefs by setting as a role model to their children and the people of their church. Mr. Ariel voluntarily goes from town to town, church to church, to share the words of God.
As a Parent Leader, he was taught to be more responsible than he is before. Being a father makes it natural for him to put anyone else’ needs above his own. But with too much time required of him, he had to give this up to focus more on their church, family and other community activities.
As for his wife, Carmen is dedicated in being a Barangay Health Worker even without getting paid, for her, having to help as many people as she can everyday is payment enough and it was all worth it.
They can’t help but feel proud to be the parents of their two daughters who constantly bring pride and honor to their family despite the difficulties of life. They raised their kids to think nothing but optimism that things will get better in time, you just have to have faith and do your part.
FAMILY WITH STRONG TIES
Ariel sees to it that even if her daughters are raised with positivity, they shouldn’t be deprived from the harsh realities of life; poverty is everywhere and it’s not easy to live with it. So they are trained to work in order for them to earn.
The chores were divided between them and they comply obediently. Not once did they hear their children complain. As part of their family’s ritual, it’s a must to attend the mass once a week to hear the Words of God. Also, it became a family bonding moment to work with their garden and even feed their animals. They use this time to talk about school stuff and other random things that mean a lot to them. They get to hear what their children feel and they were able to give advices. Simple things like this makes this family happier and closer with each other.
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING, PROTECTING ENVIRONMENT
The family saves time and money by simply growing different kinds of vegetable in their garden. Instead of buying, it’s much easier to just pick directly from your backyard. Healthy living is one of the advocacies of this family.
They also observe proper garbage disposal by segregating their garbage properly and by recycling old bottles into vases and other things.
INSPIRING OTHERS
They have established a name of being a well-balanced family where they were able to raise their kids right and spared their extra time in involving themselves in community activities.
People in their barangay come to them for advice on how they were able to go through life without having much and they gladly share their secrets on how they were able to cope with life’s struggles.
They may not be rich in material things but they brag on how wealthy they are when it comes to love, respect and faith.
IMPROVING THEIR LIVING CONDITION
It can never be disregarded that Ariel had been working hard to support the needs of his family.
Before the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program came to life, as a tenant, their main source of income was farming. Also, his allowances in being a missionary of their church helped him in covering some of their expenses.
The cash grant provided by the 4ps is an answered prayer for families like the Amboan’s. The amount may not be that much but for them, it’s more than enough to get through the month.
Being a hardworking person, he doesn’t want to settle in receiving money and just do nothing in return. He was so joyful when his family was provided with a livelihood of their choice. They were granted P7,000 for their native chicken project.
As if luck has been on their side, the help didn’t stop there.
Kalahi-CIDSS, on the other hand, made it easier for them in their means of transportation. Now, it is much safer and easier for them to travel.
Now, life is better for them. It is easier for him to buy stuff for his children especially for school without having to consider a lot of things.
Now, he can get to let his daughters experience childhood without much to think about. There’s still a lot to work for but they know they’re a step closer to success.
Ariel’s story is a representation of millions of Filipinos living in poverty, slowly creeping their way out./dswd6/ Pia Pauline Magallanes