“Ang edad at kahirapan ay hindi hadlang sa pagkamit ng tagumpay kundi kung paano natin balansehin ang ating buhay upang matupad ang ating mga pangarap (Age and poverty are not hindrances to achieving success but rather how we balance our lives to fulfill our dreams),” says Bernadette V. Bobis, 38 years old, a reflection of tenacity and grit. 

In an inspiring tale of dedication, Bernadette, a Parent Leader from Barangay Buangan, Torrijos, Marinduque, defied the odds and passed the 2024 Midwifery Licensure Examination last April. Her journey to this achievement was not easy, marked by the challenges of competing with younger, fresh graduates. Yet, her story serves as a ray of hope not just for the youth, but for anyone with dreams, showing that neither age nor financial hardship can obstruct the path to success.

“Napressure at nahirapan ang kalooban ko kasi ‘yong mga kasabayan ko, mga bata at mga bagong graduate lang din (I was anxious and faced many difficulties because my peers were much younger and newly graduated,” shared Bobis. “Pero gusto kong makapagbigay ng inspirasyon sa iba, at patunayan na ang edad at kahirapan ay hindi hadlang sa pagkamit ng tagumpay (But I wanted to inspire others, proving that age and poverty are not obstacles to achieving success).”

After graduating with the Diploma in Midwifery at Marinduque State College in 2006, Bernadette chose to prioritize immediate employment over preparing for the licensure examination. “Inuna ko muna ang pampinansyal na pangangailangan ng aking pamilya (I put my family’s financial needs first),” Bernadette recalls. “Naghanap agad ako ng trabaho para suportahan sila. Sa huli, nagpakasal ako at nabiyayaan ng tatlong anak (I sought work right away to support them. Eventually, I got married and was blessed with three children).”

Despite the detour, Bernadette has no regrets. “Hindi ko naman pinagsisisihan ang naging desisyon ko. Kailangan ako ng pamilya ko noon, at ginampanan ko ang tungkulin ko (I don’t regret my decision. My family needed me then, and I fulfilled my role),” she explains. However, as her children grew older, Bernadette felt the stirring of her deferred dream. “Nang naging independent na ang mga anak ko, napagtanto ko na oras na siguro para ituloy ang aking pangarap (When my children became more independent, I realized it was time to pursue my long-awaited aspiration),” she adds.

With the unwavering support of her family and siblings, Bernadette decided to take the licensure exam. She dedicated herself to an intensive review program, and her hard work paid off as she successfully passed the test on her first attempt.

Bernadette’s life is now an inspiration, highlighting that despite her age, 18 years of professional inactivity, and financial struggles, she relentlessly pursued her dream. It reflects a powerful narrative of sacrifice, determination, and eventual triumph, underscoring that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams.

“Ang tagumpay ko sa board exam ay isang hakbang tungo sa pagbabago ng aking buhay at kinabukasan ng aking pamilya (My success in the board exam is a step towards transforming my life and my family’s future),” Bobis expressed. “Sa tulong ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at sa patuloy na pagsisikap sa pagtrabaho, naniniwala akong makakabangon tayo mula sa kahirapan (With the aid from the 4Ps)and the stability of continuous employment, I believe we can rise from poverty.”

Although her household was only recently enrolled in the program in 2023, she committed to uphold the program’s conditionalities and her responsibilities as a parent leader towards eventual exit from the program.

Now, Bernadette aims to utilize her skills to help her family and community, providing compassionate service to her fellow citizens. Her story is a powerful reminder that success is attainable at any age, and with determination and faith, obstacles can be overcome.

“Para sa mga tulad kong patuloy na nangangarap, wag kayong titigil. Magpatuloy tayo at huwag sumuko sa laban (For those like me who continue to dream, don’t stop. Let’s keep going and never give up the fight),” she concludes, exemplifying resilience and optimism.

 

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Story By: Shenna R. Merene, Municipal Link