Life is not always filled with bright days and warm smiles, especially when you face numerous struggles. Mary Jane Bermudez Tabor, a mother of three in Virac, Catanduanes was not an exception from experiencing those challenges when she was diagnosed with Schizophrenia in 2023.

Due to her psychosocial disability, she quit her job as an accounting staff member in Manila. She became a full-time housewife as she found it difficult to obtain employment in her home province.

Her experience, however, took a different turn when she was selected as one of the recipients of the Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) of the Department of Social Welfare’s (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in Virac.

For Mary Jane, being part of the program was an unexpected blessing that greatly helped her family, particularly for her three (3) children. Even though she had initially intended to participate in the actual works, her husband had to cover for her throughout the implementation because of a scheduled trip to Manila. However, Mary Jane remained involved by assisting her fellow persons with disabilities in organizing documents.

“…kaso nga po yung secretary namin is kailangan ng assistance. Sa tingin ko, ako na po yung nag-presenta having the knowledge kasi ‘di ba yung naging previous work ko po. Medyo aware ako sa mga papeles, kaya ako na po yung nag-presenta sa kanila,” she shared.

(However, our secretary needed some assistance, so I volunteered because, based on my previous job, I had some knowledge about handling documents. I was somewhat familiar with the paperwork, so I took the initiative to assist them.)

Mary Jane also added that the work participated by her husband, together with other persons with disabilities or representatives, not only helped the community but also promoted camaraderie among those involved.

Besides the financial support provided by the program, it also offered Mary Jane a sense of purpose. Interacting with others is an effective way to manage her condition.

Mary Jane explained that one of the signs that she is experiencing an episode is when she just wants to be alone. But as long as she can face and interact with people, that is a good indication that she is fine.

“…kung baga parang isang lakas po ‘yun sa akin na makaharap yung tao na ‘yun, hindi man sila marami at least kahit isa,” she said.

(It’s like a source of strength for me to be able to talk to someone, even if it’s just one person.)

A connection with others, no matter how small, helps Mary Jane to stay grounded and reminds her that she is not alone. For Mary Jane, facing people and offering help even while managing her struggles is a way for her to live with a hopeful heart.

“Sabi nga nila, kung ano man yung nasa isip mo, it attracts what you put in your head. Kung baga dapat kung positive ka lang, maghintay ka lang kasi may mga parating na positive situation,” she concluded.

(As they say, whatever is on your mind attracts what you put in your head. So if you stay positive, just be patient because positive situations are on their way.)