Arlene Langbid (in yellow), a participant to the recently held PaskuJuan Bazaar in Lucena City, got her first job as a restaurant server at age 43.  Later on, she was able to start a small business of making and selling accessories. These made her realize that she can contribute more to the improvement of her children’s future.***

 

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NEVER TOO LATE—FIRST JOB AT 43

 

Getting an actual job never entered her mind, even with seven children to feed daily.

At 43, Arlene Langbid of Brgy. Samil in Lucban, Quezon Province has stayed at home since she started her family. Her husband works as a welder in another town and is the sole provider of the family.

“Nasanay na ako na nasa bahay lang at ‘yung asawa ko ang aasahan sa lahat ng gastusin. Ayaw ko talagang magtrabaho,” shared Arlene.

Her family’s living condition made them qualify to be a beneficiary of the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. In 2013, they were registered as a beneficiary and that was when Arlene suddenly began having a change of heart.

Getting a job

Arlene admits that being a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilya program helped a lot with their finances; however, what she acknowledges more is how the program fueled her to dream more for her children. Through Family Development Sessions (FDS), she not only dreamed but also made a way to chase them.

The FDS is a monthly gathering of parent-grantees and is one their co-responsibilities as beneficiaries of the program. It is a venue for teaching various topics including improving marital relationships and basic financial management. It also encourages beneficiaries to improve their living condition and not merely rely on the help provided by the program.

“Noong naging parent leader ako, natuto rin akong makisalamuha sa ibang tao. Napatunayan kong may kaya pala akong gawin hindi lang para sa aming grupo, mas lalo para sa mga anak ko,” she shared.

Just last May this year, Arlene got a job as a server in a restaurant in the nearby city of Tayabas and this enabled her to help her husband meet the needs of her seven children.

“Masarap pala sa pakiramdam na nagtatrabaho ka, na may ginagawa ka para sa pamilya mo at hindi ‘yung nasa loob ka lang ng bahay at naghihintay,” she shared.

Arlene’s job not only opened an opportunity for her to support her family. It also made her family better.

“Dati, dala na rin siguro ng pagkabagot ko sa bahay, mataray talaga ako kahit sa mga anak ko. Lagi ko silang natatarayan,” she said.

Finding her worth finally and having something to be busy about allowed her to improve her relationship with her children.

“Napansin kong naging mas malambing na ang mga anak ko at naging mas masaya sa bahay namin,” she added.

Starting change

As part of the interventions of the DSWD to help improve the living condition of beneficiaries, Arlene, together with 40 other parent leaders, was recently trained on making different kinds of accessories in partnership with Southern Luzon State University – Lucban.

The beneficiaries were provided free skills training and startup kits for making accessories such as earrings, key chains, cell phone charms, bracelets and eyeglass holders.

“Dahil sa dagdag kaalaman na ito, nagagamit ko ito para kumita bukod sa regular kong trabaho. Gumagawa ako ng accessories pagdating ko sa bahay mula sa aking trabaho,” she shared.

Today, Arlene is happy that she has found a way to support her children, especially in helping them get better lives. Two of her children are now taking TESDA-accredited courses.

“Kayang kaya kong magtrabaho para makatapos ang lahat ng mga anak ko at matulungan ang asawa ko sa pagkamit ng aming mga pangarap para sa kanila,” she proudly said.

With a job and a small business at hand, Arlene can never feel more confident that she has become a responsible mother. Indeed, it never is too late for her to do something for her children’s future.***