Aruga para sa Munting Ina: Keeping Dreams Within Reach

For a young mother, having a baby can mean taking on responsibilities before she has had the chance to finish school or figure out what she wants for herself. The challenge is not only raising a child, but finding a way to continue with her own plans.

This was the focus of Aruga para sa Munting Ina, a Rotary Club of Guiguinto Bloomingdales project held on August 17, 2026, for expectant and young mothers aged 15 to 19 in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

The club provided essential grocery packs and served hot sopas and bread during the gathering. But the activity was also an opportunity to sit down with the young mothers and talk about matters that go beyond their immediate needs.

The Municipal Population Office conducted a seminar on responsible parenthood and family planning. The discussion gave the participants practical information as they prepare for the responsibilities of raising a child.

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Club members who attended also shared advice based on their own experiences. They encouraged the young mothers to return to school when they are able, continue learning, develop skills that could help them earn a living, and not set aside their own dreams. They were reminded that taking care of a child also means taking care of themselves and making choices that will help both mother and child in the years ahead.

One of the stories shared that day came from RCGB President Relly Vicente. She distributed pillowcases made by her seamstresses and told the young mothers how she learned to sew years ago while caring for her own baby.

What started as something she learned during that stage of her life eventually became a livelihood. Her sewing business has since grown, and she now takes on curtain-making projects for larger clients.

For the young mothers listening to her story, the message was simple: having a child does not mean giving up on the person they want to become.

The activity was held while the rains continued, but the weather did not stop the conversations. There was time to listen, share experiences and offer practical advice, something that could be just as valuable as the grocery packs brought home that day.

Through Aruga para sa Munting Ina, the club hopes to give young mothers more than temporary assistance. By helping them stay connected to education, encouraging them to develop skills and reminding them that their dreams still matter, the project supports not only the mothers but the children and families they will raise.

Because when we help a young mother move forward, we help give a child a better future, too.

Written by: PP Cheryll Cruz Unson, RC Guiguinto Bloomingdales