Carrying Love Forward: Rosie Sumile’s Journey to Caregiving

At 56, Rosie Sumile stands at a graduation milestone she once thought was beyond reach. A scholar of the Technical-Vocational Caregiving Scholarship Program, Rosie’s journey is not only about returning to school after decades of work and sacrifice, but about honoring a love that shaped her calling.

Rosie began working in 1988 as a service crew member, helping support herself at a young age. Like many women, she paused her career when she married and raised a family. Years later, in 2017, she returned to work at Pag-asa FSB Pancit Malabon, where life quietly prepared her for a path she never imagined.

When the eatery’s owner, Tita Flor Bautista, fell ill, Rosie was asked to care for her. Despite having no formal background in caregiving at the time, Rosie accepted the responsibility at Tita Flor’s personal request. What began as an act of trust grew into a deep bond.

“Siya po ang naging inspiration ko para ipagpatuloy yung pag-aaral,” Rosie shared.

While caring for Tita Flor in the hospital, Rosie came across a social media post from their barangay captain about an open call for caregiving scholarship applicants. Encouraged by Tita Flor’s faith in her, Rosie applied.

Tragically, Tita Flor passed away before the scholarship formally began. Rosie had been with her until her final moments, recalling how Tita Flor even wanted to sleep beside her. Grief weighed heavily on her as she entered training, but she was not alone. Tita Flor’s children, Edgar Saturay Bautista and Red Bautista Belda, fully supported Rosie throughout her studies, standing by her as family.

“Kung nakikita lang ako ni Tita Flor na suot ang toga ngayong graduation, feel ko siya ang unang matutuwa sa akin,” Rosie said.
“Malamang ngayon, kasama niya po kami.”

During her on-the-job training, Rosie found herself naturally drawn to elderly patients. Each person she cared for reminded her of Tita Flor and of her own grandparents, who raised her when she was young. Caregiving, she realized, was her way of giving back the love she once received.

Studying alongside classmates much younger than her was never intimidating. Rosie shared that the learning environment was welcoming and supportive, helping her stay focused despite her grief. Through the encouragement of her batchmates and the continued support of Edgar and Red, she reached graduation.

Now a graduate and ready to serve professionally, Rosie offers this milestone as a quiet tribute. This January 17 marks the first death anniversary of Tita Flor Bautista, the woman whose love and trust inspired her journey into caregiving. Rosie carries her memory forward in every act of care she now gives.

Today, Rosie looks forward to working professionally as a caregiver. She carries with her not only the skills she has learned, but the compassion, patience, and love that Tita Flor lived by. That love, she says, will guide her in every life she touches.