Story by: John Laurence Teologo
Supported by: Diana Marie Javier
For many mothers, caregiving begins long before it becomes a profession. It begins in sleepless nights, quiet sacrifices, and the everyday decision to put family first.
For Maria Carmela “Mela” Andaya, caregiving was never just a career choice. It was a role she had already embraced long before she stepped into the classroom.
At 41 years old, Mela is a mother, provider, scholar, and aspiring professional caregiver. As a single mother raising three children, including a daughter with a learning disability, she has spent years navigating life’s uncertainties with resilience, determination, and unwavering faith.
Before pursuing caregiving, Mela worked in housekeeping while taking on small livelihood opportunities to provide for her family. The income was enough to get by, but she never stopped believing that a better future was possible.
“Kapag single mom ka, minsan mapapaisip ka kung hanggang dito na lang ba,” Mela shared. “Pero lagi kong iniisip na may plano si Lord. Siya talaga ang nagbibigay ng lakas at opportunities.”
That opportunity came through the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP), supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI).
At the time, Mela and her family had been praying for a way to continue her studies without the burden of expensive tuition fees.
Without hesitation, she applied.
The months that followed tested both her resolve and endurance. She balanced seven months of intensive training with motherhood, household responsibilities, financial challenges, illness, and even disruptions brought by typhoons. Yet she remained determined to finish what she had started.
For Mela, the lessons extended far beyond the classroom.
Caring for her daughter with a learning disability, as well as supporting her late father through difficult moments, had already taught her the compassion, patience, and empathy that no textbook could fully provide.
“Parang training ground ko na rin yung pagiging nanay,” she said.
Completing the caregiving program became more than an academic milestone. It fulfilled a dream that had belonged not only to her, but also to her father.
“Pangarap talaga ito ng father ko para sa akin noon pa,” she shared. “Kaya parang natupad ko rin yung pangarap niya habang tinutupad ko yung pangarap ko para sa mga anak ko.”
Her children continue to be her greatest source of inspiration. Her eldest daughter dreams of pursuing the arts, while her son hopes to become a firefighter. Every sacrifice Mela makes today is an investment in the future she wants them to have.
The scholarship gave Mela more than access to education and new career opportunities. It renewed her confidence and reminded her that it is never too late to pursue a dream.
“Nakakatuwa kasi natapos ko na ang caregiving,” she said with a smile. “Ngayon, kampante ako na kaya ko nang makatulong sa ibang tao. Simpleng bagay man, malaking tulong pa rin.”
Today, Mela looks forward to gaining experience locally before eventually working abroad, with one goal in mind: building a brighter future for her children. More importantly, she hopes her journey inspires other mothers who may be facing similar struggles.
“Magkaroon lang ng positive mindset,” she said. “Gawing inspirasyon ang mga anak at huwag sumuko sa pangarap.”
Through the Medical Scholarship Program, PSFI and BCFI continue to invest in individuals like Mela by expanding access to education, strengthening skills, and creating pathways to meaningful employment. Beyond developing competent healthcare workers, the program empowers parents, uplifts families, and helps communities build a more hopeful future.
Because sometimes, the strongest hands are not the ones that seek recognition. They are the hands that quietly carry a family through hardship, nurture hope in the face of uncertainty, and ultimately find the strength to care for others.
