Along the Road of Circumstances: Norielyn’s Empowering Journey
by: Glory Mae Panase
3rd Place, Sibol Writing Contest – Cycle 1
They say that roads are not always smooth, but the bumps and detours along the way only make the journey more rewarding. Embracing the challenges and learning from them is what truly allows one to grow and flourish.
This is the ride of life for Norielyn M. Padilla, a Livelihood Assistance Grant recipient of the Sustainable Livelihood Program in Ibajay, Aklan, whose life has been a testament to perseverance and resilience.
Growing up in a small community in Barangay Monlaque, she worked at a young age as a farmer. With this, she contributed to her family’s income. But because of poverty and limited opportunity, she only finished high school. Later on, she got married and had six children to raise. However, her marriage went south when she discovered that her husband had an affair with another woman. She was left to raise her six children on her own. But fate gave her a chance to meet someone on whom she could rely again. She met her current partner, and they were blessed with seven children.
However, with 13 mouths to feed, the budget was always tight. Norielyn was working as a helper at her sister’s vegetable stand at the Ibajay public market, earning Php 200.00 for a half day. Her partner is a tricycle driver earning the same amount for a day. Their combined income is barely enough to cover their daily expenses. With their big family, they also do not have their own house. They were living at their sister’s house. She was grateful for her sister’s generosity, but it also motivated her to strive harder to provide a better life for her family.
A kind hearted religious institution identified her child as a scholar of their organization. Thus, the Iwag Ministry Foundation conducted a survey and discovered that they do not have their own house. They decided on providing materials and labor expenses for the construction of their small house. The organization paid nearly PHP 50,000 toward the building costs. The makeshift house lacks separate rooms, requiring the family to share a single bed. Yet, they were overjoyed and extremely grateful for the opportunity to have a place to call their own.
It inspires Norielyn in her daily work. She works as a helper in the morning, and she runs her barbeque business in the afternoon. Her stall is just across the Ibajay public market in Laguinbanwa, to attract more customers and increase her income. Daily, she earns an income of 500–800 pesos. This helps her provide for her family’s needs, especially for her children’s education and other daily expenses.
However, there was a bump along the way. The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020 caused the temporary closure of businesses, including hers. It was a difficult time for her family, as they struggled to make ends meet without a stable source of income. But Norielyn had faith, holding on to the hope that somehow a blessing would come for her family.
And her hope was granted. In 2020, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) implemented the Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG), an assistance of the SLP for families whose existing enterprises were affected by the pandemic. Norielyn’s family was one of the beneficiaries of the program, receiving capital assistance to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
Norielyn received a grant of PHP 9,000 for her vegetable vending enterprise. She utilized this as capital for her enterprise, renting a small stall inside the public market. She allotted part of her grant to her barbeque business. As part of the program implementation, she also attended the entrepreneurship training provided by the SLP to improve her business skills and knowledge.
Despite being enthusiastic, sales were slow because of the pandemic’s lockdowns. However, the Local Government Unit of Ibajay launched a mobile market program, which would be a more practical way to reach more buyers. Norielyn decided to join the mobile market program and used the savings from her LAG project. With the help of the program and her determination, Norielyn was able to gradually grow her vegetable vending enterprise. The mobile market approach has increased her sales and helped her reach a wider customer base.
In her mobile market journey, she accumulated around PHP 10,000 in daily sales. Later on, Norielyn saved up and purchased a multicab vehicle worth Php 75,000 for her enterprise, allowing her to further expand her own reach and increase efficiency in transporting her products to different locations.
With her continuous increase in income, Norielyn and her husband saved for the construction of their own home. Little by little, they established a two-storey concrete house that cost approximately PHP 400,000. It has two bedrooms, one comfort room, one refrigerator, one television, and a kitchen. Norielyn’s dedication paid off, as she achieves her goal of owning a permanent residence for her family in a secure and comfortable living environment. She also credits not only herself for her accomplishments but also the support of her partner, who stood by her side every step of the way. Together, they have built a strong foundation for their family’s future and continue to work towards their dreams.
With hard work, Norielyn’s vegetable vending business flourished. In 2022, she found a space she rented for her vegetable vending project, where she can finally have her own steady stream of income of around PHP 4,000 daily to provide for her family. In the evening, they still continue her barbeque business, where she earns PHP 1,500. With her hard work, she opened a bank account for her savings and was able to save up to PHP 100,000. Norielyn’s dedication and resilience have not only allowed her to provide for her family but also to save for the future.
However, unfortunate news broke for her family. Her daughter, Cyla, was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent a series of treatments with expensive costs, which caused them to spend all their savings. They have a huge hospital bill and medications up to PHP 800,000. Because of this, their family income is insufficient for their daily needs. Later on, Cyla passed away. This has greatly affected the family, both emotionally and financially. Perhaps the bumpiest road they have faced so far, Norielyn and her family struggled to recover from the loss of their daughter and the financial burden left behind. Despite the challenges, they remain hopeful for better days ahead.
Norielyn and her family moved on from their tragic loss by leaning on each other for support and seeking solace in their faith. They continue to cherish the memories of Cyla while striving for a brighter future together. Every obstacle we face is an opportunity for personal growth and development. Hence, Norielyn came back stronger for the future of her 12 children. She continued juggling her vegetable and barbeque enterprises while providing her children with education and food; likewise, she was slowly rising from financial debt.
Now, Norielyn’s firstborn is taking up an apprenticeship domestically for his maritime career. While her second child is a graduating criminology student, the rest of her children are in high school and elementary school. This motivates Norielyn to work even harder, knowing that her sacrifices are paying off through her children’s achievements. She remains determined to provide them with a better life and opportunities for success. Norielyn emotionally shared her journey and expressed her gratitude to the SLP. She shared that the program has provided not only capital assistance but also confidence and pride for her enterprise. She said that without the grant, she might still be a helper or farm laborer. Through the program, she was able to stand on her two feet and walk the road of life.
Her determination and hard work have not only benefited her children but have also liberated her from a cycle of poverty. Norielyn’s success story serves as an inspiration to others that, with determination and support, anyone can overcome challenges and achieve their goals. The impact of the SLP goes beyond livelihood assistance, as it fosters a sense of empowerment and self
reliance among its participants.
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