In spite all the challenges in life, do not give up.
This is the dictum believed by Arlyn Arangorin Villawala, 25 years old, who is currently working as the head of the Agribusiness Section of Yamang Bukid Farm in Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City.
Five years ago, it was a bittersweet moment for her as she was graduating and was also three months pregnant. Her boyfriend had to stop schooling in order to find work, earning from a decent job to prepare for the delivery of their first born.
Arlyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness degree from Western Philippines University in 2014.
“It was at first hard,” Arlyn said, as she was a fresh graduate who had to find ways to earn money and support their family.
“Gusto ko pa sana na mag-aral ang asawa ko kaso di po kaya kasi mababa lang po ang sahod ko sa City Hall,” Arlyn added.
She worked in the City Hall in the City Agriculture, but then, her husband, Solomon, could not go back to school as they do not have enough financial resources.
After a year of working in the City Hall, Arlyn applied in the Yamang Bukid Farm.
She joined Yamang Bukid Farm in May 29, 2018 and was initially assigned as head of the nursery and after one year and six months, on June 2019, she assumed the role as the head of the agribusiness section of the farm.
It was then that her life has changed dramatically.
Who would think that after several years of sacrifices, now they are back on their feet? Now, Solomon continues his schooling, currently in his second year taking up BS Criminology in Fulbright College Palawan.
“Thanks to Yamang Bukid Farm,” Arlyn testified.
Through her salary and benefits in Yamang Bukid Farm, she can support her husband’s schooling and meet all their basic needs at home.
Being together for thirteen years now who were “childhood friends” then became lovers and partners, Arlyn and Solomon both reflect how true love works, in spite all odds. The couple has been gifted with a baby girl named Myrtyl, who is now five years old and goes to school in day care center.
“Masaya dito sa Yamang Bukid. Mababait ang mga tao,” Arlyn said.
When asked how they were able to surpass all the challenges, “tiwala lang at pag-unawa sa isa’t-isa,” said Arlyn.
The couple reflects selfless love and courage to build their family together, sacrificing a lot of things, in order to meet ends. And through Yamang Bukid Farm, reaching their dreams would not be harder as they thought.