After almost 20 years, Genelyn Dischoso, 53, can finally be with her family.

A resident of Catanauan town in Quezon Province, Genelyn, also known as ‘Ka Gemma’ used to be a rebel who is starting a new life as a wife, mother and grandmother.

“Itong pangalawang pagkakataon na ibinigay sa akin ng gobyerno ay parang pagkakataon na rin upang maging isang mabuting ina, upang makabawi sa aking mga anak na hindi ko nabigyan ng oras at atensyon sa loob ng halos dalawang dekada,” shared Ka Gemma.

Together with seven other former rebels, Ka Gemma received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last October 8 to help her start anew. 

A new direction

Ka Gemma admits that despite fighting for their ideals, she oftentimes would feel sad whenever she had an opportunity to see her family.

“Ang alam ng mga anak ko, na maliliit pa lang noong panahong iyon, ay nagtartrabaho ako sa malayo kaya minsan lang at panandalian lang akong nanatili sa bahay,” shared Ka Gemma.

Though she endured the situation for a long time, she decided to stop fighting and start taking her responsibility at home.

“Sabi po ng anak ko, ‘Ma, hindi ako lilipad (sa ibang bansa) hanggang hindi ko nasisiguradong ayos ang buhay mo.’ Napaluha po ako nung sabihin niya yun kasi po ay naisip ko ang mga pagkukulang ko sa kanila. ‘Ni hindi ko po naranasan umakyat sa stage sa graduation nila o samahan sila sa birthday nila kaya naman para makabawi sa mga pagkakamali at pagkukulang ko na yun, nabuo ang loob kong sumuko na sa kabila ng takot sa maaring resulta ng pagtalikod ko sa samahan,” she shared.

After a few days, Ka Gemma was accompanied by her family, to their local government.

With the help of the local government, Ka Gemma was referred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Starting life anew

Contrary to her expectations, Ka Gemma received a lot of help from various agencies.

 “Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa pangalawang pagkakataon na ibinigay sa akin na ito. Salamat po sa lahat ng tumulong sa akin na makabalik at ipinapangako ko rin sa asawa, mga anak at mga apo ko na ilalaan ko yung pangalawang buhay na meron ako ngayon sa pag-aalaga sa kanila, shared Ka Gemma, who added that the help from the different organizations are being used wisely.

She and her husband also plan to start a hog-raising business.

For Ka Gemma, it is not too late yet for her. Thanks to the support of various organizations, she’ll be able to become a more responsible family member and eventually a responsible community member.***