Testimony of Ma. Christina Kyl B. Abello

4Ps Beneficiary

BUENAVISTA, Guimaras – “Every challenge you face today makes you stronger tomorrow.” This quote always reminds me to be stronger no matter what life brings. The challenge of life is intended to make me better, not bitter!

I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management at the Phinma University of Iloilo. I am the fourth child among five siblings. I just wanted to share my life story with anyone who can read it. As far as I could remember, we are a happy family but those were just the days. A time came when our family and faith were tested by God. It was a challenging time and the most painful part of our lives when our father left us for personal reasons. As a child, I don’t realize the negative effects of it but later the stigma changes everything.

To be able to survive, our mother sells fish in our barangay and neighboring barangays so she can buy rice and viand for us. We seldom eat rice but instead, we only ate sweet potatoes and bananas to satisfy our hunger in a day. I was curious and wanted to help my mother in selling fish so I came to the rescue. It was then I realized that life was tough. Walking under the scorching heat, feeling hungry, and tired while selling fish is laborious. I look my mom’s eyes and saw the sadness. I can feel the burden she is going through for caring for five of us alone. It is not easy after all. In my solitude moment, I remember our father; I want him to answer all my questions that were left unanswered.

At times we are scarce and empty, we are longing for a father’s love but no one comforts us. Thankful for our uncles and aunts who show love and compassion for not abandoning us. They helped my older siblings get an education in college. Meanwhile, our mother accepted several jobs from neighbors to work as a house help. I can say that my mother is not only the light of home but also a pillar for us. She always tells us that we should study hard to reach our dreams because being poor is not a lifetime.

We have gone through many trials in life but those trials have made us more resilient. Until one day, help from our government reaches us. Our household became a member of the 4Ps. It helped us a lot in our studies, especially during our high school days. I was chosen to be a representative of our school in the Municipal Search for Exemplary Pantawid Children until I reached the Provincial Level contest. It was the first ever competition I joined and I was blessed because it helped me build my confidence in singing in front of many people. They are part of my journey.

Many opportunities open for us. I am sincerely grateful because I became a municipal scholar of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Buenavista, Guimaras just like my two other eldest siblings. I don’t need to worry about my college tuition fees. Despite the difficulties, God is good to us. I was given talent in singing which I use in church for almost 12 years as a choir member. I earned money from my talent because our LGU always invited me to sing during special events and various programs and they gave me a talent fee that I deserved. Also, I sing at different events in other towns and other places I was invited. I participated in different amateur singing contests, too. Even though I don’t usually win a big prize in several contests but it was a big help. Sometimes, I lose and sometimes I win. But I didn’t give up on my dream. I even joined the Tawag ng Tanghalan. The faith does not favor me yet but I know someday I’m gonna win. Though life is hard, I will use this talent as a gateway toward my greatest dream.

For now, my eldest siblings were able to finish school and already have decent jobs despite the hardships we have been through. My eldest brother is already working as a welder in a large company here. My second brother is a seaman. My third sister is currently in the Netherlands working as an English Teacher. They are helping us by sending money monthly. I’m currently working as a casual employee at Buenavista LGU while our youngest sibling is currently in high school as the last monitored child of the program.

I am also doing my best for my future. No matter the hardship life has given us, always remember not to give up, and please never give up. Life is full of challenges. It depends on how you can fight challenges. To all dreamers just like me, nothing is impossible as long as you are striving, working hard, and believing in yourself. As they say, “Mahirap maging mahirap pero mas mahirap ang taong walang pangarap.” Above all, let us always include the Lord in all things because it will get us on the right path. (Submitted by Buenavista MOO, Iloilo-Guimaras POO) MGC