BY MAI LADIAO
In the whirlwind of life, there exist women who embody resilience and dedication in the face of adversity. One of them is Farrah Duremdes Terazona, a 40-year-old resident of Dumangas, Iloilo, a mother, and a beacon of strength within her community. By day, she wears the noble mantle of a nurse, and by night, she dons the helmet of a delivery rider, navigating the streets to support her family and secure a brighter future for her child.
In a country where healthcare workers are revered yet often undervalued, Farrah stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Filipino nurses. With unwavering commitment, she tends to the sick and ailing during the day, providing care and comfort to those in need. Despite the challenges and meager compensation that accompany her profession, Farrah’s passion for healing remains unyielding.
“Subong nga panahon, akuon ta nga underpaid, not to offend other fellow nurses, underpaid gid lalo na if sa private ka ga work. Te akon pa pang gas papuli kay I am living outside the city,” Farrah said.
Working as a rider, a job traditionally associated with men, has posed its own set of challenges. However, she has never found it particularly difficult. It has become a convenient means of transportation for her. Some may have perceived it as unconventional for a woman, but she approached it with the same level of dedication and professionalism as any other job. What may have seemed like leisurely rides to some were, in reality, opportunities for her to earn a living and support her family. She believes that by breaking stereotypes and pursuing non-conventional roles, the way for gender equality is paved, and women are empowered to thrive in any field.
“Nowadays, it doesn’t matter kun ano imo gender; for me, ang ubra sang laki kun masarangan man sang bayi, why not? Wala man ko nabudlayan sa amo ni nga ubra. At the same time, means of transportation na malang. Una una daw hampang-hampang lang ang chill rides. I am an angkas rider after shift mga 3 p.m. so ang maximum ko na nga byahe asta gab-i mga alas-11,” she added.
For Farrah, the decision to take on a second job was not solely driven by financial necessity. It was a choice fueled by her unwavering desire to provide for her child and carve out a better future. It is not just about earning a living; it is about instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility in oneself.
“For me as a woman, for example, may partner or husband, mas makabulig gid nga may ubra ka. Indi man nga gina-udyok gid. Lain ang feeling nga may ubra ka. You will feel like indi ka lang pangbalay,” Farrah went on to say.
As the sun sets and the city’s rhythms change, Farrah’s journey takes a different turn. Trading her scrubs for a delivery uniform, she embarks on a nocturnal odyssey through the labyrinth of streets, ferrying parcels and meals to their destinations. For Farrah, this hustle is not merely a means to supplement her income—it is a lifeline, a beacon of hope that guides her through the darkness.
As Farrah weaves through the city streets, her mind is a whirlwind of thoughts—thoughts of her patients, her child waiting at home, and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is a flicker of hope and a glimmer of resilience that propels her forward.
“For me, gina-empower ko gid ang tanan nga mga kababaihan nga not only ‘Ay ubra na sang lalaki, indi kita sina.’ Kun sarangan, sarangan eh. Indi nga kun babayi ka indi kana ka indulge sa amo na nga klase na nga ubra. Indi kana mag duwa-duwa nga kung kaya mo, go,” she added.
Farrah’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless unsung heroes—nurses who toil tirelessly to heal the sick and parents who navigate the tumultuous waters of life. In her journey, we find echoes of our struggles, hopes, and dreams.
As the night sky fades into dawn, Farrah’s shift draws to a close, and she heads home, exhaustion weighing heavy on her shoulders. Yet, amidst the fatigue, there is a sense of fulfillment—knowing that her efforts, no matter how small, have made a difference in the world.
For Farrah Duremdes Terazona, the road ahead may be long and arduous, but with perseverance and resilience as her guiding light, no obstacle is too great to overcome. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Farrah’s story shines bright—a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness./PN
