THE Iloilo City Government’s Task Force on Street Children recognized model mothers in the "Bulawanon nga Nanay" 2018 awarding ceremony at SM City on June 27.
Jesica Estrada, 49, of QMF Subdivision Barangay Hibao-an Sur, Mandurriao, was declared this year’s winner, receiving P11,000 prize, after besting 13 finalists.
“I could not contain the happiness I feel after being named as Bulawanon nga Nanay. I am so happy because all the sacrifices and work I made for my children have paid off,” Estrada said.
In the interview portion, Estrada was asked if getting a loan is good or bad. She was jailed for 10 days when she was nine months pregnant with her youngest child because of debts, but her siblings helped her pay for them.
“There is nothing wrong if you are borrowing money for as long as you can pay for it and you have good purpose in using it. Just like my case, I borrow from someone because I used it for the hospitalization of my husband who suffered from brain cancer,” Estrada said.
Estrada, a mother of four children became a widow at the age of 29. Leo Nathaniel, her second child, is a medicine intern and scholar of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila; John, her third child, is now a seaman, after graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU); youngest child, Dianne Niñalyn finished Accounting Technology at the University of San Agustin; and her eldest, Jesse Rey, is now back to school after he stopped to help with his siblings’ tuition fee.
Gregilda Benal, 55, of Barangay Baldoza, La Paz, was declared first runner-up and received P8,000 prize. She used to work as domestic helper in Singapore to support her sibling’s education. She is now managing a birthing center and is an active member of Iloilo City TB Task Force Federation, Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (Badac), Lupon and Masa-Masid team.
Elma Patalen, 66, of Zone 3, Barangay Calumpang, Molo, was named second runner-up and got P5,000 prize. She sells charcoal and makes sweet delicacies to raise her children.
Other finalists 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 each received P1,500 consolation prize. (PR)