CAPIZ — I took the Social Work board examinations three times but I always failed until, in God’s perfect time, everything has changed. I am Analina B. Larroza, 38, a registered Social Worker, happily married and community servant.

I am the 6th child among the eight siblings of my late father Alberto C. Bajada and Coronacion B. Bajada. The main income of my family is farming and we belong to the poorest of the poor family in barangay Ilas Sur, Dao, Capiz.

Despite our poor family status, however, this has been opened the door for the opportunity as I was included as one of the sponsored children of the World Vision Development Foundation. The foundation has helped me reach my dreams in life especially where I am now.

Currently, I work in the Department of Social Welfare and Development as a Municipal Link under the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4P’s) assigned at Cuartero, Capiz.

MY STRUGGLES

Before reaching where I am now, poverty is always accompanied by hardship, perseverance, and struggles.

During my elementary years, I was always picking up snails and accept any works at the rice field just to have an additional allowance for my school needs. I walk four to five kilometers just to get in school.

During my high school years, I had to wake up early morning at around 4:00 a.m. to prepare the fruits and vegetables that I need to sell while traversing the eight kilometers rocky roads going to Malonoy National High School.

Sacrifices and poverty pushed me to finish my high school years with the goal to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty.

When I graduated from college in 1998, I was not able to continue my college instead, I work as a dishwasher at the Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City where my eldest sister is also studying while working as a working student.

After my sister’s graduation, I also apply as a working student in CPU just to continue my college. I passed the examinations and interviews. Finally, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Social Work under the Department of Social Work.

Life is not easy for me since I need to double time my effort as a working student and at the same time as a maintenance crew of CPU dining hall to help augment my food allowance and boarding house rental.

I had to strive with my own life to finished my studies in order to succeed and help my family, who are struggling in the midst of poverty. Life in college was so difficult considering that I am financing myself alone without my family support. There’s always a moment that I turned the night into the day just to finish all the backlogs that I have.

Marked with all the sacrifices that I experienced during those hard times spending four years and five summers in school, the most awaited moment in my life has finally come when I graduated in October 2004.

I overcome all those hard years with the moral support of my family and inspiration from my boyfriend whom I met outside our school. We tied the knot a month after my graduation and help each other in our photocopying services.

TRIALS

Before my graduation, I took the board examination in social work but I failed. I did not lose hope. I enter into volunteer works as a Secretary and Assistant Supervisor of CPU’s Department of HRM and Tourism and work with World Vision under the KATIBYUGAN FOUNDATION in Roxas City as Child Management Staff.

Despite my busiest time, God blessed us with a healthy baby boy in 2007. Again, I decided to take board exam but again, I failed until two more examinations were made but still I did not pass. It hurts me but I always remind myself that this is not yet my time. Just be patient enough.

Typhoon Yolanda hits Western Visayas in 2013 where I started my journey in DSWD as a Social Welfare Assistant (SWA) assigned in Tapaz, Capiz. I worked at the Department for almost five years until God blessed us another baby girl. My life doesn’t stop only there but I continue my job serving the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.

As a working mother, I faced all the challenges, difficulties, and sacrifices of the clients in the remote areas of Tapaz, Capiz. It touches my heart as I looked them every day and reminds me of my past experiences in my own personal life being a less privilege.

My hardworking and dedicated attitude which is working beyond hours and extended exemplary services to the community has put me into the list of being one of the nominees for the H.E.R.O (Has Exceptionally Rendered Oneself) Award in the SWA category in 2016.

It was timely when God also answered all my prayers to pass the board in 2017.

Considering myself as an agent of change, I promise to myself that I will continue to shower my knowledge and expertise to those who need my help.

As a Project Development Officer continue to serve the people and to make changes in their lives as I will continue my advocacy in empowering people and uplift their well-being.

Now, I am enrolled in the Masters in Public Administration at West Visayas State University – Calinog Campus to bring also best for myself. //dswd6/MGC (Written byAnalina B. Larroza)