Rolando – The Former Seminarian
At a young age, Rolando knew he wanted to be part of something worthwhile. He wanted to be a priest – he wanted a life devoted to prayer and service to the church. Through a benefactor, he entered the Sons and Sisters of Mary and Adorers of the Holy Eucharist (SMAHE) – a semi-contemplative religious congregation for priests and nuns. He was well on his way to becoming a priest when both of his parents were diagnosed with diabetes. As much as he wanted to stay, he had to make the tough decision to leave the congregation and take care of his parents.
“Dalawang taon nalang bago ako maging ganap na pari, nagkasakit ang nanay at tatay ko. Ilang taon nalang yun… pero kinailangan kong isipin yung mga magulang ko.”
He warmly shared that life in the congregation was a mix of highs and lows. Nonetheless, he was very thankful that once in his life, he was part of the SMAHE community. It not only taught him the ways of the Church, the congregation also advocated sustainable livelihood and this is where he first encountered Pilmico.
“Noong nakatira pa ako dati sa SMAHE, tinuruan din kami mag-alaga ng baboy at manok. Pilmico feeds na ang gamit nila at nakita ko naman ang kaledad ng baboy namin kapag Pilmico ang pinakain; mabigat ang baboy pero hindi puro taba. Talagang magandang klase.”
Rolando was not able to go back to the congregation and finish priesthood. His sponsor could not afford to send him to school anymore and his parents were getting older.
“Malungkot ako noon pero naisip ko na baka hindi ‘yon ang laan na buhay para sa akin ng Panginoon. Nagpursigi nalang ako magtrabaho – kahit ano ang pwede kong pasukan – para matustusan ko ang pangangailangan ng mga magulang ko at ng sarili ko.”
In 2008 he met the love of his life and now has 2 children. Because the only life he knew was to serve the Church and farming, Rolando found it difficult to look for a job. He would moonlight as a construction worker or a pedicab driver just to make ends meet. He admitted that he was losing hope until he was referred to be a beneficiary of Pilmico’s egg machine.
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