Remerico Javier Fuentes Jr. “Rhaica”, the protagonist in our story is 29 years old a fitness instructor and the youngest among the seven (7) children of Mr. Santiago Agpoon Tadeo and Mrs. Marites Javier Fuentes. Rhaica acts as the guardian of her younger siblings namely; Mhyco, Marco and Rico since the death of their parents. She also took full custody of her abandoned nephew, Gian. As the family’s guardian, she attends the monthly Family Development Sessions and ensures the compliance of her siblings with the education conditionality.

She was five (5) years old when her father died. Consequently, when she reached the age of 14, she sacrificed her education. She was forced to stop and finished only 1st year High school to help their mother who was then a solo parent. It was one of the biggest sacrifices she did for her family. She worked as helper in the market.

“Nag-iigib po ako ng tubig, naghugas ng malalaki at mabibigat na banyera sa isdaan, nagbuhat at nagtulak ng mga kariton sa groceries store,” said Rhaica.

She endured all of these to be able to buy diapers and milk for her little siblings and to augment to their daily necessities.

Her mother passed away when she was 27. Her death definitely brought impact to the family which resulted to tremendous pressure on her shoulder especially rearing the burden of raising her younger siblings.

“Walang anumang magandang salita ang makakahupa sa sakit ng aming dibdib. Maraming katanungan kung bakit? Kakayanin ko bang gampanan ang gawain ng nanay namin? Anong isasagot ko sa mga kapatid ko na noon ay wala pang kamuwang-muwang?” questioned Rhaica.

With the Lord’s guidance, with the support of some relatives and of course, through the cash grants they received from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, they were able to face and survive their predicaments. “Mas lalo po kaming naging matapang sa mga hamon ng buhay, mas pinahahalagahan ng mga kapatid ko ang kanilang pag-aaral,” added Rhaica.

She has been very vocal on the significance of the Program’s cash grants in sending her siblings to school. It helps a lot in their daily allowances, miscellaneous fees and school projects. According to Rhaica’s parent leader, she is very strict when it comes to nutrition of her siblings.

“Hindi po niya basta-basta pinapakain ang mga kapatid niya mam, siguro dahil Fitness Instructor siya, sinisiguro niya po na masustansya ang mga pinapakain nya sa kanila”. She never falls short in guiding and teaching her siblings lessons she gathered in life.

“Minsan po sa kaka-pangaral sa mga kapatid ko, nagkakatampuhan kami, nasasaktan man ang damdamin nila minsan pero salamat sa Diyos, natututo po sila at nakikita ko na lumalaki silang mabubuting tao at may takot sa Diyos,” attested by her Parent Leader. She was able to provide the needs of his siblings, financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

She is raising her family by using her talent in dancing as a Fitness Instructor. Aside from being a fitness instructor, she is also the Head Facilitator of The Riverside Youth Organization and Share Eat, an organization built in December 2014 by Rhaica and his friends who are also Pantawid Pamilya members in Barangay Pineda, Pasig City. They call him “Ate” in their organization. The group aims to feed the mind, body and soul of the children of Barangay Pineda through feeding program, zumba exercise and teaching the words of God.

She might be unfortunate for not being able to finish her studies but looking on the brighter side, a far-more worthwhile blessing – seeing her siblings achieve their dreams. It also brings her close to her passion which is dancing. She continuously develops her potentials in dancing which she considers a God-given talent. As a Fitness Instructor, she creates an impact in the health and lifestyle of the fitness groups she serves not only in Barangay Pineda but also in nearby Barangays such as San Antonio and Kapitolyo. She uses her talent to earn a living and raise her siblings along with the support they are receiving from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. She continuously fulfills the empty roles in the family. She might not be the perfect fit each and every role but one thing is for sure, she will continue to give it all for her family.

“Hinding-hindi hadlang ang anumang pagsubok sa buhay para makamit at pagsumikapan ang iyong mga pangarap,” pronounced Rhaica. ###