Stories of inspiration

Makulay Dahil Bahagi Ka: How Joan dela Cerna is Building a Future Rooted in Care

Story by: John Laurence Teologo, Communications Officer
Supported by: Diana Marie Javier, Program Officer


For Joan dela Cerna, motherhood has always been more than a responsibility. It has been the driving force behind every decision she has made and every dream she continues to pursue.

Before becoming a scholar under the Medical Scholarship Program (MSP), Joan spent eight years working in Taiwan as a factory quality control worker. Like many parents seeking better opportunities, she made the difficult choice to work abroad so she could provide a better future for her children.

When she returned to the Philippines in 2024, she carried with her not only years of hard work and sacrifice, but also a renewed determination to build a future closer to home. It was during this time that she discovered a scholarship opportunity through the Quezon City government, which eventually led her to become part of the Medical Scholarship Program supported by Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI).

Today, Joan is pursuing caregiving while balancing multiple roles as a student, mother, breadwinner, and entrepreneur. Her mornings are spent attending classes, while her afternoons are devoted to caring for her children, managing household responsibilities, and running a small sari-sari store that helps support their family’s daily needs.

As a single mother, each day requires resilience and determination. Yet for Joan, these challenges have also become opportunities for growth.

Her studies have equipped her with technical caregiving skills while deepening her understanding of compassion, empathy, and service, qualities she has long practiced as a mother.

“
Bilang nanay, matututunan mo talaga yung pasyensiya, empathy, at sakripisyo. Na-realize ko yung pag-aalaga ng iba ay hindi naman naiiba sa pagpapalaki ng bata. Binibigay mo ang buong puso mo.

For Joan, caregiving is more than a profession. It is an extension of who she is.

At the center of her journey are her children, who continue to inspire her to persevere despite life’s challenges. One dreams of becoming a psychologist, while the other hopes to pursue a career in the medical field.

Their aspirations have become her motivation.

Joan sees her educational journey not as a personal achievement, but as a shared dream for her family’s future.

Through the Medical Scholarship Program, she found more than financial support. She found an opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue a path that aligns with both her aspirations and her desire to remain present for her children.

The scholarship also introduced her to learning experiences that expanded her perspective. Through programs such as the Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development (LEAD) Workshop, she gained valuable insights into human behavior, relationships, and community engagement.

“
Malaki ang naitulong ng PSFI at Bloomberry. Hindi lang sa pag-aaral, kundi sa kung paano ko mas nauunawaan ang ibang tao at ang sarili kong sitwasyon.

Without this opportunity, Joan believes she might have returned overseas and continued the difficult cycle of being separated from her children. Instead, she is now building a future grounded in purpose, service, and family.

Looking ahead, Joan hopes to gain experience as a caregiver and eventually work abroad. More importantly, she hopes to use her skills and experiences to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly children with special needs, a cause that is close to her heart.

Above all, Joan’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity.

When people are given the chance to pursue their aspirations, they are empowered not only to transform their own lives, but also to contribute meaningfully to their families, communities, and society.

Her message to fellow mothers is simple yet powerful:

“Ipagdasal mo at ipagpatuloy mo ang pangarap mo. Hindi hadlang ang kahirapan o pagsubok, lalo na kung ginagawa mo ito para sa sarili mo at sa mga anak mo.”

As PSFI celebrates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion this June, Joan’s story reminds us that inclusion means creating pathways for people from all walks of life to pursue their aspirations and reach their full potential.

Makulay dahil bahagi si Joan.

Makulay dahil bahagi ang bawat ina na patuloy na nangangarap para sa kanyang pamilya.

Makulay dahil bahagi ang bawat taong binibigyan ng pagkakataong matuto, umunlad, at maglingkod sa iba.

Sapagkat ang tunay na pag-unlad ay nangyayari kapag bawat isa ay may pagkakataong maging bahagi ng mas magandang kinabukasan.

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