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Friday, May 07, 2004
Rona Mahilum wants to finish studies
By Christine Mae A. Pelayo
SPOKEN like a true hero.
Rona Mahilum preferred finishing a college degree rather than using the P1 million money given to her for saving her siblings from the midnight blaze last May 26, 1986 in their house in Sitio Colona Divina, Sagay City.
Then only eight years old, Rona who will turn 18 this coming Nov. 25, said she doesn't intend to use the P1 million trust fund given to her by then Manila mayor Alfredo Lim.
Rona could make use of the money only when she turns 18.
Because of the fire, Rona suffered third degree burns and had undergone several operations at the Ospital ng Maynila and St. Luke's Hospital.
More than surviving the blaze, Rona was known through the local, national and international media for her heroism.
The Reader's Digest featured her role in saving her five siblings, namely Roda, Roberto, Cheryl, Robin and Rochelle from the blaze.
Rona is the fourth child in their family. She currently stands only 4'9" and weighs 50 pounds.
Rona met members of the local media at a press conference Thursday. Lim extended a P1 million trust fund, which is currently deposited at Land Bank for Rona's financial assistance.
He also opened a foundation for Rona and her family. But Rona seemed not overwhelmed by the luster of money saying: "Indi ko pagkuhaon ang kwarta sa bangko bisan 18 na ako samtang wala ko pa natapos ang pag-eskwela ko sa college (I will not use the money deposited in the bank even when I shall have reached 18; not until I finish college)."
Rona will be on her third year in Sagay National High School this June.
She disclosed that she plans to take Education in college, although she noticed that some of the Education graduates did not land jobs after graduation.
Lim, who communicated anew with Rona through phonepatch, recommended that Rona enroll in Nursing because of better job opportunities abroad later. Rona calls Lim as "Lolo Lim."
She also said, "Nalipay gid ko nga nagkadto diri si Kuya Manny (I am so happy that Kuya Manny came here)," said Rona of Lim's son.
She narrated that it has been a long time since they communicated with each other.
"Abi ko indi na kami magkit-anay ukon maka-communicate (I thought we'd never see each other again or even communicate)," said Rona.
Manny on Thursday also handed over his father's pasalubong to Rona--a 3210 cellular phone and a box of delicacies.
When she talked with Lim through the speaker phone, Rona thanked him for the gifts.
"Lolo, ngayon pwede na kitang tawagan kahit nasaan ka pa kasi binigyan mo ako ng cellphone (Now I can now communicate with you wherever you are because you gave me a cellphone), Rona told Lim.
The heroine described Lim as a good, loving and helpful person.
"Halos tanan nga maayo na batasan ara na sa iya (Almost all of the good qualities are already in him). So, I am appealing to Negrosanons to support Lolo Lim and vote for him as senator," said Rona.
She added that Lim has helped them in their everyday living. Her brothers and sisters are now studying. Rona promised that she will study very hard for her Lolo Lim.
Moreover, Rona said Lim and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Sagay and the Sagay City government continuously extend their assistance to her and her family.
She is currently staying with Myrna Mosqueda, DSWD social welfare assistant, whom she considered as part of her family.
On the other hand, Lim expressed his advocacy against drugs as he appealed to Negrosanons particularly teenagers not to use drugs.
(May 7, 2004 issue)
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