Written by Jemma S. Tañada, Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
You will reach anything with an inspired, determined and encouraged heart.
“Talagang mahirap ang buhay, pero kaunting tiyaga para may biyaya [Indeed, life is hard, but we need to keep going to receive the blessings],” Ofelia David.
Thirty nine year old Ofelia is happily married to Willie, 38. They have four children, who all attend school. Their eldest Regie, 20, is a college student who is now taking up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and the other four are still in grade school. Their children received free education. Ofelia is inspired and so thankful to her children especially, Regie, who is determined to finish his studies to improve the ir way of living. Regie would walk for an hour to reach school.
As her children perseveres to reach their dreams, Ofelia supports them through selling crops like corn and sweet potato which she sells for Php 25.00 ($) per kilo. Her husband, on the other hand, go up to the mountains and get “beto” (a kind of twig), which he sells from Php 5.00 ($?) per stick. The determined couple combines their earnings to support their children’s allowances and their family’s daily needs.
Also, Ofelia is encouraged to learn as she saw her children strive hard to be educated. With the help of her children and her willingness to be taught, Ofelia learned how to read.
Operation Blessing (OB) Foundation Philippines met Ofelia during its Disaster Response and Medical Mission, in partnership with JAC Liner Inc., in Bataan. She went to the mission to have her two children checked. They received free medical checkup, took home free medicines and even relief goods.
“Salamat ha Apong Diyos ginamit kawo tabing nyang kaming gamut [I thank God for using you as an instrument to give us medicines],” Ofelia said in their native Ambala language.
Without your compassionate hearts, OB would not be able to extend quality healthcare to people like Ofelia.
Let us continue to extend a helping hand to our precious kababayans especially those who live in far-flung areas. To know how, visit www.obphil.com or call us at 477-7806.