Wilson Torilyo, 22 years old, started living inside a residential care home in Antipolo City, called Children’s Garden, Inc. 6 years ago, and has been under the Independent Living Program for 2 years now.
Wilson grew up in Tondo, Manila where he and his family resided. When he was 4 years old, he left his home due to the abuse of his mother. At a very young age, he started wandering the streets. An old lady found him and took him in, however, after 2 years of staying there, he was again abused by the son of the old lady, and pushed Wilson to leave the house. Once again, he wandered the streets then someone took him in, then left after 3 months of staying there. After several months of wandering the streets, he was found by the DSWD at the age of 7 years old, when he turned 8, Wilson was transferred to ‘Bahay Aurora’, where he lived until he was 16 years old.
“Doon ako nag-aral ng elementary, masasabi ko na okay naman siya. Yung highschool doon ako nagkaroon ng problema kasi may bullying sa school. After ng Grade 7 ko mag grade 8 nako, sinabihan ako na months nalang itatagal ko sa shelter kasi hanggang 6-10 years old lang siya. Then 2 months na lang kasi mag birthday nako. Bago ako mag birthday nung January 17 nilipat ako dito (Children’s Garden, Inc.)” -Wilson
Wilson shared what he felt when he was first transferred to the new home that he will be living in which is the Children’s Garden. He said that he was sad at first because he was used to the old shelter he belonged in, there he said he could do whatever he wanted to do, however, he realized that change and following the rules are important too, he learned how to be responsible because, for him, it is not just a sign of self-respect but also a sign of respect to those who live inside the shelter with him.
“Dati hindi ako nag fo-focus sa gawaing bahay. Para sakin libangan lang, pero ngayon importante pala siya, mas kailangan siya. Mas lalo akong nag pursigi para ayusin ang mga gawain. Tamang pagsunod sa mga patakaran, respeto sa mga kasamahan ko.”
Wilson mentioned how the training of the program provided by the foundation helped him pursue his dream. Wilson is now finishing his OJT being a caregiver in a hospital, he said that this program helped him prepare for the real world, for the real challenges that the world throws. Being the person who witnessed change in his life, he stated the importance of this program not only just in his life but also to other young people who need it.
“Para mas lalo pa silang matuto para maiangat pa sarili nila sa mahihirap na sitwasyon, gaya sa paglabas nila para maihanda na nila sa sarili sa mga bagay na maaring mangyari.”
Wilson also mentioned that this preparation and change is not only for him but because he is receiving help, he also will help others.
“May mga bagay din na kailangan naming gawin at tulungan. Once na kailangan nila, tutulong din kami.”
As Wilson continued to work on himself, he recalled the time when he realized how important it is to prioritize his studies. The program helped him be more comfortable in terms of his skills and experience.
“Nag-iisip ako kung ano ang mga bagay na kailangan ko ayusin, mga bagay na kailangan ko iimprove sa sarili ko.”
He stated that this program must be supported for he believes that most of the youth these days need it. He suggested that the government should have support for the program as it teaches a handful of job skills such as housekeeping and welding to name a few.
“Magbigay sila ng proyekto sa mga ILP (those who are under the program). Tulad sa skills para magfocus yung mga kabataan sa skills, kasi gusto nila malaman kung ano kaya nila gawin para sa sarili nila.”
As Wilson Finishes his Caregiving training or OJT, his only wish right now is to finish it successfully and find a job after it so that he can prepare for the path that he will be taking in the future. He also wishes for his future self to keep being strong and live the life he always wanted.
“Sana maging matagumpay ka sa mga bagay na gusto mo. Mga pagsubok sana malagpasan mo, mas lalo ka pang mag focus at ibigay ang tustos sa sarili mo.”
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