Jasmin Lopez, 23 years old, an Independent Living Program graduate was transferred to First Love International Ministry shelter in Antipolo City in 2017 and stayed there until 2021. Jasmin did not disclose the reason for her transfer to the shelter but recalled her initial feelings about being transferred to a new environment.
She shared that she was nervous at first and did not know what to expect as she would meet new people. Aside from being nervous, she also shared that she was sad because she was separated from her family. However, despite that, she became excited to meet new people.
Upon her stay at the shelter, she mentioned that there are a lot of changes that have happened within herself, and it was all for the betterment of herself. She said that she got more time to know herself and realized that there are still things that she can improve on.
Jasmin recalled the lessons she learned that she still keeps to her heart until this day, she shared that she learned a lot from managing financially, mentally, and physically, as well as her spirituality. She also learned new skills that she did not have before and feels satisfied about her new learnings.
Jasmin shared that throughout the Independent Living Program, she got to hone her skills in leading, not only other people but also herself. As she is one of the older beneficiaries there “Ate” of the shelter, she learned how to manage and lead the younger beneficiaries. She learned how to budget her own money and the fund money that they get for their expenses. She leads in terms of their housekeeping when it’s time to buy groceries and cook. She learned how to be responsible and stand as an example for the younger generation inside the shelter.
Following this, Jasmin also recalled why the Independent Living Program is important for a person who has experienced its training.
“Sobrang importante ng Independent Living Program na ito para sakin na nakaranas na at nakagraduate dito. Sobrang importante nito, kasi dito mo talaga marerealize na life is hard pero you can make it easier when you have someone to guide you.”
For Jasmin, the Independent Living program served as her guide and eye-opener to the realities of life. She mentioned that the real purpose of the program is to guide the youth in preparation for their transition to adult life independently.
“It saved me, kasi that time before ako napunta sa shelter wala rin talaga akong direksyon sa buhay ko. So nung napunta ako ng First Love International dun ko narealize na I have hope pa pala, dun ko narealize na ang dami kong potential na pwedeng i-share, na marami akong talents and skills. So sobrang importante nito sa akin dahil isa itong stepping stone for me to move on with my life personally.”
As someone who saw and experienced the importance of the program, Jasmin shared her take on why it should be a government priority. She stated that there are great programs offered by the government, however, she believes that the government should also consider supporting the Independent Living Program.
“Maraming magagandang program ang gobyerno. Pero dapat itong Independent Living Program dapat bigyan siya ng pansin kasi sobrang life changer talaga niya. Imagine mo nag take care ka ng bata na walang idea sa life na happy go lucky. Parang ako, kung di nila ako pinasok sa ILP, I don’t know ha? baka nakakadagdag pako sa teenage pregnancy. Parang alam mo yon nagkaroon ako ng sense of direction talaga nung nakapasok ako sa ILP which is a very good thing para sa isang kabataan.”
As a witness of the Program’s use and purpose, Jasmin suggested that aside from giving attention to supporting the program, the government should also give support in terms of financial funds.
“First step na dapat gawin ng ating lokal na gobyerno is, yun nga to give attention to this program, na bigyan nila ng pansin. Kasi once na na-caught natin yung attention ng lokal na gobyerno sa ganitong program kailangan ng budget at ng sponsors.”
While the shelter that Jasmin belonged to is an NGO foundation, she stated that all shelters, NGO shelters, or non-NGO shelters should have this program and be supported.
“Kasi yung pinanggalingan ko actually NGO siya. So, para sa mga ibang shelter o foundation na under the government, kailangan siya mabigyan ng attention pa ng gobyerno. Kasi nga buhay mga nakasalalay dito, literal na buhay ng mga kabataan ang mababago nila once na makagraduate sila sa ILP. Kailangan nila bukod sa budget and sponsors.”
As a proud graduate of the Independent Living Program, Jasmin Left inspiring words of wisdom to those who are currently under the program aiming to help them keep going and grow.
“Be patient, it’s very good na tinanggap niyo yung program na yan at napunta kayo diyan. Don’t take it in a bad way, wag niyo isipin na kinukulong kayo. Wag niyo isipin na iba kayo sa mga normal na kabataan. Take it as an opportunity to grow, take that as an opportunity to focus on yourself, lahat ng trainings na ibibigay sa inyo i-take advantage niyo para ma-showcase niyo yung skills niyo para may matutunan kayo. Kasi madadala niyo talaga yan in real life kapag nakalabas na kayo, kapag naka graduate na kayo.”
Jasmin also shared the importance of healthy relationships and being friends with people who are in the same situation as them.
“Isapuso niyo yung mga learnings na natutunan niyo and be friends with the people you’re with yung mga kasama sa ILP. Have a good relationship with them kasi sila sila yung makakasama mo while nandyan ka sa program.It’s a really good thing na may relationship kayo kasi nga kayo kayo ang nagpaplano kung paano masusurvive ang buhay niyo habang nasa ILP kayo. Be patient, have a good relationship with your housemates.”
Jasmin also emphasized working on the relationship with the Lord.
“And lastly, be prayerful kasi yun nga kailangan natin magpakalalim spiritually kase sino ba ang mag guide sa atin. Syempre si Lord, kaya wag na wag niyong kakalimutan magpray, to ask guidance from him. Kasi nga kakayanin natin lahat ng bagay kapag nandyan si Lord kasama natin.”
Lastly, as Jasmin recalled and shared her story, she wants to thank herself for holding it out and fighting for a better version of herself.
“Thank you dahil tyinaga mo yung ILP, Thank you dahil nilaban mo, naging patient ka kasi di mo minasama na nahiwalay ka sa mga normal na kabataan para mag undergo ng ILP. Thank you kasi na-survive mo diligently yung buhay mo nung nasa ILP. Thank you kasi positive ka lagi and ayon proud ako sayo sa mga nalagpasan mo sa buhay. I love you very much, keep slaying bhie!”
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