“Magpapatawad ako hindi dahil kailangan pero dahil iyon ang ikakaluwag ng aking kalooban”. Eric Bermeo’s statement pertaining to the suspect involved in his wife’s death and responsible for his blindness.

Eric Bermeo is a 39 year-old from Oas, Albay. He is the second among eight children. Due to financial difficulty, he was only able to finish high school and resorted to different odd jobs such as being a construction worker, a welder, or a factory worker just to earn a living.

Eric had three children with his first partner, Lyza Millari. Due to frequent conflicts and arguements, Lyza and Eric decided to call it quits, leaving Eric tied with providing financial support to their children who are all under Lyza’s custody.

Years passed and Eric met another woman, Daisy Bermeo, whom he married on March 30, 2011. They were blessed with four children whom they are raising through their income from meat vending.

On August 17, 2016, Eric and his wife were in the market to sell their commodities when suddenly, shots were fired towards them by an unidentified gunman.  Allegedly, the real target of the murderer was him but it was his wife who was shot and died in that incident. Eric survived but due to gun powders that burnt his both eyes, he became blind. They think that the motive was due to envy and the suspect is none other than his brother-in- law. The case was filed but was not pursued due to lack of evidence.

Eric felt sad and angry. He sometimes thought that he is hopeless and worthless as he could no longer perform his old routine due to his disability. But he needed to be strong for his children. His siblings were the ones who supported him and his children since then.

One day, through Marikina City Social Welfare Development Office, Eric learned about NVRC’s programs and services. In his first few days at the center, Eric showed that he was unable to accept his disability and displayed hatred in the world. No one could blame him as the incident happened only a year ago.

Eric was quiet most of the time and demonstrated a trait of being a loner. Through different interventions such as counselling, values formation, and group work sessions, he eventually showed optimism and acceptance. More so, he was taught Social Rehabilitation subjects that helped him get equipped with knowledge as a blind person. He can travel confidently using white cane, even to far places. Other than vocational training, Eric attended other activities such as PHILSPADA where he won Bronze in Bowling. Given that it was his first time to join and only had few practices, Eric was so happy for winning.

Eric finished the Massage Therapy course in NVRC on December 11, 2018. He is presently employed at Sense Touch Massage Clinic in Fishermall, Quezon City and would earn a daily wage of Php 250-600 excluding tips from the customers. He also conducts home services during his rest days. He shared that his income now is more than enough for his four children with Daisy, so he resumed in supporting his children with his first partner.

Accordingly, he is thankful to NVRC not only for providing him vocational training but also for helping him understand his fate and value his future. He had many realizations in life that made him learn to forgive those who wronged him even though justice was not given. He was able to realize that what really matters is his children.

Eric now has a girlfriend, Mily Olang, whom he met in the center and has visual impairment, too. They have been together for a year already. In addition to his accomplishments, Eric is undergoing massage review in the Center to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. ###

From the reports of: Ms. Rowena B. Belizario, Social Welfare Officer II, NVRC