ILOILO City – The city government’s Task Force on Street Children has recognized this year’s model mother through the “Bulawanon nga Nanay” Award.
She is Jesica Estrada, 49, of QMF Subdivision, Barangay Hibao-an Sur, Mandurriao district – a mother of four who became a widow at the age of 29.
During the Question and Answer portion of the annual search, Estrada was asked if getting a loan is good or bad.
Estrada recalled having been jailed for 10 days when she was nine months pregnant with her youngest child because of debts. Her siblings helped her pay the loan.
“There is nothing wrong with borrowing money for as long as you can pay and you have a good purpose for doing so. In my case, I borrowed from someone because I used it for the hospitalization of my husband who suffered from brain cancer,” said Estrada.
As this year’s winner, Estrada received P11,000 prize. She bested 13 other finalists.
“I could not contain the happiness I feel. All the sacrifices and work I did for my children paid off,” said Estrada after the awarding ceremony at SM City Iloilo on June 27.
Leo Nathaniel, her second child, is a Medicine intern and scholar of the University of the Philippines Manila. John, her third child, now works as a seaman after earning the degree Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU).
Estrada’s youngest child, Dianne Niñalyn, finished Accounting Technology at the University of San Agustin while her eldest, Jesse Rey, has resumed his studies after working to help his mother send his younger siblings to school.
Gregilda Benal, 55, of Barangay Baldoza, La Paz district was declared first runner-up and received P8,000 prize. She used to work as a domestic helper in Singapore to support her children’s education.
Benal is now managing a birthing center and is an active member of Iloilo City TB Task Force Federation, her village’s Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council, Lupon and Masa-Masid team.
Elma Patalen, 66, of Zone 3, Barangay Calumpang, Molo district was named second runner-up and got P5,000 prize. She sells charcoal and makes sweet delicacies to raise her children.
The other finalists were Eva Nacuspag, Evelyn Gumalid, Melody Bensorto, Teresa Lopez, Nory Trabuco, Ma. Elena Joven, Jocelyn Busayong, Rebecca Azucena, Marites De La Cruz, Melanie Cabalonga, and Teresita Villaruel who each received P1,500. (Merianne Grace Ereñeta, Iloilo City PIO/PN)
