Parenting doesn’t end after a long day at the office; an extension of a parent’s most important work still awaits at home. From managing household responsibilities to raising a family, parenthood demands a unique skill set and unwavering dedication. For some, this commitment becomes their sole focus, devoting all their time and energy to fulfilling their role as parents.
Despite their responsibilities at home, Erizel L. Reyes, Shierra Mai Vega, and Aizhel Ann Tapere from Brgy. Lazareto in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, were determined to gain new skills and pursue better professional opportunities. While balancing parenthood and personal growth is no easy feat, their dedication empowered them to strive for a better future for themselves and their families.
For years, the Lazareto ladies had been hands-on parents who devoted themselves to raising their families after putting their studies on hold. Erizel was once a tourism student but had to delay her pursuit of professional success when she became a mother. Aizhel dreamt of flying to another country and exploring opportunities there. Like many housewives, Shierra also had dreams of her own but often found herself wondering, “Hanggang dito na lang ba ko? Paano na lang ‘yung mga anak ko kung nakatengga lang ako sa bahay?”
Determined not to let parenthood limit their potential, they saw it instead as a reason to push forward. So, when the opportunity arose to develop their skills, they reached for it and joined the first batch of scholars in the Food and Beverage Servicing course under the Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL) program. Through SKIL, they trained in schools accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and gained new expertise for better career prospects.
Starting in SKIL was challenging for the three women. They wrestled with self-doubt and uncertainty but overcame the negativity with their determination to improve their career prospects.
“Marami talagang magiging balakid. Pero lagi lang iisipin na nandiyan ka na sa sitwasyon mo eh, kung mag-stay ka lang diyan at wala kang gagawin, mas lalong walang mangyayari. Kaya mas maganda kung magkakaroon ka ng pagbabago na gagawin mo sa buhay mo,” Erizel says.
Balancing training with motherhood was another challenge. At one point, Erizel had to bring her child to class to avoid missing the session. Fortunately, the SKIL program fosters a supportive environment, allowing parents like Erizel to continue her education while attending to her parental duties.
In their training, the three women learned the fundamentals of food and beverage service, including table setting and customer relations. They even practiced their new skills at home—treating their family dinners as restaurant-style meals, complete with cutlery and service etiquette.
Soon, Erizel, Shierra, and Aizhel will apply their skills in real-world settings. With their TESDA National Certificate II (NCII) on the horizon, Shierra is preparing for an overseas career, while Erizel and Aizhel are exploring better opportunities. The three women also shared that they dreamed of starting a co-op to help housewives in their area unlock their potential, as many were unsure how to channel it into opportunities.
Even as they pursue professional growth, the Lazareto ladies remain devoted mothers, proving that parenthood and career advancement can go hand in hand. Their journey serves as an inspiration to other parents, encouraging them to embrace opportunities that pave the way for a better future for themselves and a brighter path for their children. Shierra shares this insight to her fellow parents: “Hindi balakid ang pagiging isang magulang sa pangarap.”
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