Getting involved in community activities or joining a group is difficult for Salome. She never wanted to be known in the community and always walk away from responsibility. Perhaps she is just too shy and never has courage to do so.

Salome Prila, 48 years old is a residence of Barangay Loob, Gainza, Camarines Sur. She has a nine year old son by his common law husband, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at Central Bicol State University for Agriculture (CBSUA). “Even in school my lips is always zipped. I only talk when ask to recite.” shared Salome

In 1998, after her graduation from college, Salome was employed at the Department of Agriculture where she worked for two years. Then was able to land a job in a private firm where she was connected for 13 years. Salome gladly shared that her employment helped her life long struggle to break free from insecurity and low self-esteem after being employed for years. Salome was forced to stay home to take care of his only son. The family’s source of income is derived from farming by her husband for which he earns a monthly income of P 5,000 which is barely enough for them. To keep herself busy, Salome tried to join both community and church activities. She started working with people and public service is not anymore new to her.

Salome became a grantee of the Pantawid Pamilya in 2011. For her it was a blessing that she cherished the most “ Dahil sa Pantawid, gumaan ang buhay naming, may pinag kukunan na ako ng pambili ng gamit sa eskwela ng anak ko, baon at pambili ng bitamina. Salome claims that because of pantawid she can now provide the school and the health needs of their child without taking the amount from her husband’s income.

Aside from receiving the cash grant, Salome said that she has learned much from the Family Development Session which she regularly attends. At times when my husband has no farm work, I used to let him join me in attending the Family Development Session.

Not only Salome became a grantee of the Pantawid Pamilya but she was also a parent leader. According to her group she was chosen because of her kindness, passionate and patience. As a parent leader she shared the lesson she learned from the role that was bestowed to her. Salome also proudly shares that she is able to teach other members who does not know how to write the basic of writing. This is to help the beneficiaries find ease in writing their names.

Salome did not stop her involvement in community activities. When the KALAHI-CIDSS was introduced in the municipality of Gainza in 2012, Salome eagerly participated in its activities. The KALAHI-CIDSS or Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive And Integrated Delivery of Social Services is a program that seeks to help alleviate poverty through community driven development.

She chaired the Barangay Project Management Committee. Salome claims that one of the accomplishments as KC volunteer is when she was able to get other members in the community who are adamant of the project to get involve.

When the LGU of Gainza, organized the Municipal Coordinating Tam (MCT), the counterpart of the Area Coordinating Team (ACT), Salome was hired and occupied the post of a Community Empowerment Facilitator.

Salome as an empowered and courageous woman, she has proven that one’s journey matter when you’re honest purpose is to help uplift the lives of others. Her adventures were combination of challenges, disappointments and success. Salome is a woman to emulate.###