November 25, 2024
Undaunted by their challenges, they’re now caregivers
By Arvin Yanga
Love and compassion.
These teachings of Tzu Chi became the guiding light for 33-year-old Rhea Amilano, helping her maintain an unbroken spirit and positive outlook despite life’s early tragedies.
At the age of 5, Amilano witnessed a traumatizing moment that reshaped her young life: her father’s suicide, triggered by her mother’s affair. The wounds had barely begun to heal when, five years later, her grandmother, who supported her and her five siblings passed away. Left with few options, the children worked in rice fields owned by others and earned merely P35 or a portion of rice for their labor.
“We had no choice but to move out separately in order to survive, or else we will starve to death. I have to work at a very young age looking for an educational benefactor along with a place to stay,” she recalled, her words echoing the weight of childhood responsibilities that most never experience.
Fate took an unexpected turn when, at 14, Amilano courageously traveled from Samar to Nueva Ecija with a stranger seeking a maid, hoping to secure both work and education. Two years later, joy briefly flickered in her life; her siblings had found their mother residing in Fortune, Marikina. Despite her mother’s thyroid condition and indifference towards her, Amilano stayed with her, caring for her until her passing in 2019. Her love never wavered, even in the face of rejection.
Today, in her modest home along the creekside in Meteor Homes, Marikina, Amilano has found happiness with her husband Jonel, a 35-year-old solar panel installer, and their two children, ages 15 and 6.
Parallel to Amilano’s journey, 34-year-old Mary Grace Olleta faced her own trials. The death of her mother from chronic kidney disease forced Olleta to stop her education, which affected her self-esteem as an undergraduate without any skill to get a job. At 24, she began working at the local church to support herself and her sickly father, while her married younger brother lived separately.
“I only have one family. I only have my father. If he leaves this world, I can’t handle it,” said a tearful Olleta, finding strength in her father’s presence.
For both women, the discovery of Tzu Chi’s caregiving scholarship online represented more than an educational opportunity—it was a lifeline to transformation. “I don’t want to remain in the same place for my entire life. It is my only hope. If I lose this, I don’t know what to do anymore,” Olleta expressed.
“I’ve decided to study caregiving because I love taking care of the elderly,” Amilano added, drawing from her experiences as a maid and elder care provider.
As Amilano and Olleta united with one aspiration to become caregivers, they were granted the privilege of being a Tzu Chi scholar. With all the afflictions that they went through, both perceive Tzu Chi’s technical-vocational assistance as a blessing and a substantial hope that they hold onto.
Olleta completed her on-the-job training at the same facility, receiving her certificate on November 18. Throughout her internship, she balanced church work with caregiving duties, showing unwavering dedication to her patients.
Their resilience and patience paid off at Camillus MedHaven Nursing Home in Marikina. Amilano, now a project-based caregiver after having received her National Certificate Level II (NCII) in 2023, achieved a personal milestone by upgrading her family’s home to two comfortable floors. “As long as I live, I will always be grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation for where I am now.”
Their journey resonates deeply with Camillus MedHaven Nursing Home Care Assistant and Project-Based Supervisor Lord Pascual who attests to their exceptional character. “They are very responsible in their work, and they do not neglect their work in assisting their patients.”
Amilano and Olleta’s story reveals more than individual triumph, it demonstrates the transformative power of love for others and self-compassion.
[Note: Tzu Chi’s free caregiving course will open in the first quarter of 2025 for interested and qualified applicants.]
Thirty-three-year-old Rhea Amilano’s work as a caregiver comes from the heart. She practices the love, care, and compassion that she learned from Tzu Chi as she helps patients with their day-to-day needs.
Being a caregiver requires being sensitive to the needs of their patients. Rhea Amilano ensures that her patients are comfortable at all times, giving them massages to ease their body pain.
“In Tzu Chi, there is love and compassion. You should not choose who to love and help. You should be open arms to everyone in need,” said Amilano.
A tiny dining area is not a hindrance for the Amilano family to enjoy eating their snacks together as a form of quality time.
Rhea Amilano poses for a family picture along with her husband Jonel and their two children. No matter what hardship she faces, Amilano draws strength from her beloved family.
The Amilano family resides in their humble home along the creekside of Meteor Homes subdivision in Marikina City.
Mary Grace Olleta, a 34-year-old intern and Tzu Chi’s current caregiving scholar, is dedicated to loving and taking good care of her patients.
“I started loving the patients. When they smile at you and hug you, your exhaustion fades away,” said Olleta.
Tzu Chi’s Caregiving Scholars at Camillus Medhaven Nursing Home smile for a group photo on their last day of on-the-job training.
Camillus MedHaven Nursing Home Care Assistant and Project-Based Supervisor Lord Pascual wishes the best for Tzu Chi’s caregiving scholars. “Good luck, and thank you to them. In a span of two weeks, they learned a lot from the cases here.”