EMPOWERED ILONGGAS

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BY JYNEA BALDEVARONA, Intern
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Tuesday, February 21, 2017
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FOR years, women have been fighting for their rights in the society. Their capability to work and express themselves in a manner where women can freely do what they want has always been in question. Having a woman in an institution or a company is considered a disability rather than strength. Society deemed women as people that should be at home, tending to their husbands and children. Husbands must work for a living while wives have to stay and rot in silence.  The society has been keeping them like gems, afraid that they would break because of their fragility, that women being intuitive might put them on the lowest part of the chart.

There are things women can do that men cannot. There are also things that men can do but women can’t. People need to understand that and must admit that it’s true. In this world, we need more understanding.  Acknowledging that women have the right to life, to the society, and to feel that they do deserve the luxury of freedom that men also have is recognition that the society has now become open-minded.

But, this isn’t a matter society alone can solve and take responsibility for. Empowerment may need society’s approval but it starts within every woman. Today, rarely do people see discrimination towards women. Even men have been motivated to do things like how women do. Women today are successfully engaging in diverse professions, proving others that they are second to none.

Just like two Ilonggas who braved societal norms and do best in their profession – a profession deemed to be only for men.

Ruby Rosa Galeno, also known as “Bords,” has been working for a trusted taxi company for three years now. Elizabeth Villaflor, meanwhile, has been a trisikad driver for 14 years.

Both defied the stigma and proved that women can be the “hari ng kalsada.”

In an interview with Panay News, Galeno shared that her hope to let her children finish school pushed her to be a cab driver.

“Actually, wala sa mind ko maging taxi driver. After ko resign sa una ko nga ubra, daw na kapaminsar ako. Ano ang ipakaun kag ipaeskwela ko sa mga bata ko?” Galeno said.

Galeno admitted that driving is one of her passions. Thus, she pondered with the idea of being a lady driver as a way to support her children as a single parent.

“Siling ko, ‘What if i-try ko?’ Wala man sing hupang kung bayi ka. As long as kaya mo kag wala ka malain nga gina ubra,” Galeno added.

As a lady driver, Galeno reiterated that everything she does is for her children to finish schooling. Gender was never a hindrance for her to work hard and motivate others.

Halos tanan nga nakasakay, nagaka-amaze na babayi ang ila taxi driver. Dako na advantage na kabalo sila na may lady driver na … Hambal gani nila, lain mag-drive ang babayi kay ka smooth lang,” she said.

Galeno would get calls from clients, saying their friends or close family members referred her to drive them to the airport or even when they come home late at night.

Villaflor has the same reason why she engaged in driving pedicabs.

“Gusto ko makatapos ang mga bata ko sa pag-eskwela, kag maski mabudlay mangita pasahero, himuon ko gid para makabulig sa pagpa-eskwela sa ila,she said.

Villaflor said even women can do a man’s job. Aside from her husband, she also has to look for other means to make money. She has to send her earnings to her children in Lambunao town.

Basta motivation mo, kabataan mo, hindi ka gid na kapanumdom na mag-give up,” Villaflor shared.

Working away from home for 14 years was hard for Villaflor. Thankfully, she said there are people who help her and make her feel at home.

“Advice ko sa mga kababainhan, para sa aton hindi ang gender ang hindrance. As long as kaya mo, sigeha,” Villaflor said. “Bal-an ko na damo pa na babayi ang gusto maging lady driver. Gina-assure ko nga basta mapisan ka lang kag kaya mo, ubayan ka gid sang Gino-o.”

“Gapasalamat man ako kay ginhatagan ako chance na ipakita ang abilidad ko. Palakasan ng loob na lang para mapatapos mo imo mga kabataan,” she added.

These lady drivers have been astounding in playing multiple roles – a mother, a wife, a career woman and a superhero.

These two Ilonggas only prove that women empowerment has changed the course of the world. Women can be seen working alongside with men and excel in their chosen fields./PN

 

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