Albert, a tricycle driver from Novaliches, has been battling persistent cough and colds for months. The symptoms come and go, worsening at night, yet he pushes through each day, relying on over-the-counter medicine for temporary relief. His work exposes him to dust, pollution, and the unpredictable weather, making it difficult to fully recover.
Despite his health struggles, Albert has rarely found the time to see a doctor. His life revolves around providing for his children, especially after his wife went abroad to earn a better living for their family. Left with the responsibility of both father and mother, he juggles work, household duties, and childcare. His youngest, a five-year-old in kindergarten, often misses school when Albert is too sick to get her ready and take her to class.
On the day of the medical mission, Albert felt so unwell that he couldn’t bring his child to school. However, he saw the mission as an opportunity he couldn’t miss. For the first time in a long while, he received a proper check-up and even availed of free reading glasses—small yet significant blessings in his daily struggles.
“Ngayon lang ako nakapagpacheck-up. Lagi akong inuubo at sipon lalo na sa gabi, pero hindi ko na napapansin kasi kailangan kong magtrabaho para sa mga anak ko,” (“This is the first time I’ve had a check-up. I always have cough and colds, especially at night, but I don’t pay much attention because I have to work for my children.”) Albert shared.
Albert and his wife have four children together, aged 16, 15, 14, and 5. His wife also has three older children—now 22 and 18-year-old twins—from her previous common-law relationship. With his wife working overseas, Albert is grateful for the help of his siblings and parents in taking care of the kids. Still, the weight of their absence is deeply felt.
“Mahirap talaga mag-alaga ng mga bata mag-isa. Minsan gusto ko na lang humiga at magpahinga, pero wala akong choice. Kailangan nilang pumasok sa school, kailangan kong magtrabaho. Lahat sa akin nakasalalay,” (“It’s really hard to take care of the kids alone. Sometimes, I just want to lie down and rest, but I have no choice. They need to go to school, I need to work. Everything depends on me.”), he admitted.
Whenever Albert misses his wife, he finds solace in looking at her photo hanging on the wall, speaking to it as if she were there. “Minsan kinakausap ko ang litrato niya sa dingding. Para lang maramdaman kong nandito pa rin siya, kahit malayo siya sa amin.” (“Sometimes, I talk to her picture on the wall. Just so I can feel like she’s still here, even though she’s far away from us.”)
Receiving free medical care was a much-needed relief for Albert. Health often takes a backseat when survival is the priority. With limited income, medical expenses become a luxury he cannot afford.
“Malaking tulong ito sa akin. Wala na kaming extra pera para sa check-up o gamot. Salamat sa libreng tulong, kahit paano naalagaan ko rin ang sarili ko,” (“This is a huge help for me. We don’t have extra money for check-ups or medicine. Thank you for this free assistance—at least, I can take care of myself somehow.”), he said, grateful for the assistance that allowed him, even for a moment, to prioritize his well-being.
