A Bacolod Single Mom Wants to Earn P10,000/mo

A jobless Bacolod single mom aims to earn P10,000 per month in order to support her daughter. Day by day, they struggle to make both ends meet.  #PlsSaveMe

Note: PhP10,000 is roughly $200.

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A Bacolod Single Mom and Her Tale

Debra is now five years old. A couple of months ago, her wish came true — a Sofia-themed birthday party held at their home. It was a simple gathering with the neighbors’ kids at Brgy. Handumanan, Bacolod City. More importantly, she had a nice Sofia birthday cake, some birthday dishes, and a customized tarpaulin backdrop. It was the first time that Debra had a birthday party that “grand.”

Her mother, Dianne, whom she fondly calls Nanay, is a single mom here in Bacolod City. She doesn’t have a stable income, but she does earn from selling stuff and network marketing.

For this year’s particular birthday, she was able to set aside some money to splurge for her daughter. She was also thankful to friends who gave stuff in order to make the birthday party possible.

Taking Care of a Disabled Mom

Dianne, now 44, had to take care of her aging mom for more than four years when the latter was still alive. Her mother was bed-ridden and required 24/7 care.

At that time, Dianne was the Negros Occidental representative for an international missionary organization. She was receiving a monthly support for her role as a missions mobilizer in the province.

However, her mother needed home care after a massive stroke. Since Dianne was the only unmarried woman in a brood of six, she took it as her duty to take care of her mother.

To say that it was the most difficult time of her life is an understatement. Her mother required constant care, so Dianne could hardly sleep. She couldn’t work either, as she felt like she was daily on a zombie mode.

To support herself and her mother, she relied on dole outs from her siblings and some of her Christian friends. Former missions supporters would also help her from time to time. 

Moreover, she had loans left and right. She was knee-deep in debt.

Reminiscing those times while walking around the provincial capitol lagoon brought a sad note to Dianne’s voice. Those were the times that she was emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially drained. Her cries of #PlsSaveMe have stormed the heavens countless of times.

• Related: Where to Go: Negros Occidental Tourist Destinations to Check Out When You Visit Bacolod

The Knight in Shining Armor

Since she lived in Brgy. Handumanan, she was often along the Libertad Market route. There she met a man who was into lending. They got to sharing stories and the man showed sympathy towards Dianne’s situation. He became a confidante and her emotional support. Moreover, he sometimes helped her financially during these difficult times.

• Related: Emotional Support Animals| Everything You Need to Know

Eventually, they got too close and Dianne got pregnant with Debra. But marriage was not possible between Dianne and the father of her unborn. Unfortunately, the man is very much married until now. He just came at a time when Dianne had nobody to lean on to.

A Mistake or a Blessing?

Many thought of Dianne’s pregnancy out of wedlock as a mistake, including some of her siblings. While she knows about the gravity of what she did, she is already facing the consequences of raising a child alone. Additionally, her faith tells her that God is forgiving and loving. She has asked for forgiveness, repented, and is already back in church ministry.

If there is any consolation in everything that has happened, Dianne now has Debra. At her age, she has a daughter who can be by her side. Debra is her helper and constant companion. She is thankful that her daughter is mild-mannered and also easy to feed.

When income is slow, it is not hard to feed her with whatever they can afford. Life is hard, but it feels easier with Debra around. Dianne also found a reason to get up everyday.

Aging and Health Problems

Dianne could no longer apply for an office job because she has a daughter to take care of. Her age doesn’t make her a prime candidate in the job market either. She cannot work online like other stay at home moms because she doesn’t have a computer and internet.

Right now, she is focusing her efforts on a new network marketing company she joined. But if she meets clients for a day, she has to rest the following day because her back hurts. She also feels her energy waning. It could be aging. Or it could also be lack of good nutrition and supplementation.

But she is not losing hope in life. She trusts in God and she has a daughter to take care of.

Target Monthly Income

One of Dianne’s current goals is to make at least P10,000 monthly. She believes that this figure is already enough for her and her daughter’s needs. They have a home and they live simply. But they have electric bills to pay as well as Debra’s school requirements.

Debra is now attending kinder school at a neighboring public school.

Plans to Homeschool Her Daughter

Eventually, Dianne wants to get into homeschooling for Debra. She believes that it is the best education for her daughter. Plus she gets to mentor her in values and life lessons.

But Dianne will need the initial enrollment and registration fees. In the long run, homeschooling is cheaper but an initial investment is needed for long-term rewards.

Remaining Hopeful and Happy

While things seem so bleak, this Bacolod single mom remains hopeful and faithful. She also tries to have a happy outlook, for herself and for her daughter. After all, they only have each other.

Additionally, Dianne wants to encourage and inspire other single moms out there never to give up. She wants to be a channel of blessing to them in leading them to find hope in God.

Other stories in the #PlsSaveMe series:

• Tumandok Crafts Industries: Rebuilding a Business Ravaged by Fire
• Sickness Hurts Family Finances Badly