With unwavering love, hard work, and perseverance, 67-year-old Malou Certeza, who worked as a laundrywoman, successfully put all six of her children through college.
According to a report by Ian Cruz on “24 Oras,” Malou took on the responsibility of providing for her family after her husband lost his job. She worked tirelessly, doing laundry for five different households while exploring other ways to earn money. Her children and husband also contributed to the family’s efforts.
“My eldest daughter, after coming home from school, will sell fried bananas and fried sweet potatoes to earn an allowance for the next day. My other kid helps me with the laundry. My husband delivers the laundry and takes down the clothes once they are dry,” Malou shared.
Some questioned why she insisted on her children pursuing four-year degrees. Malou believed that higher education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that had plagued her family for generations.
“Kung two years lang, makakapagtrabaho na sila. Kung four years, dagdag dalawang taon na paghihirap ko. Gusto kong maging maayos ang buhay ng mga anak ko at mga apo ko,” she said.
(With just two years, they will be able to work. If it’s four years, that’s two more years of difficulty. I want my children and grandchildren to have a good life.)
Malou’s efforts began to pay off when her eldest child, Apple, graduated from college. Apple promised to lift her mother out of poverty, inspired by her mother’s dedication and sacrifices.
“I promised my mother that after I’m done studying, she won’t have to do the laundry anymore. I’ll lift you from poverty to inspire my siblings,” Apple said.
Now, Malou is enjoying the rewards of her hard work. She has achieved her dreams of owning a house, a stove, a sidecar, and a car.
“They say to dream big and work hard for it,” Malou added. “I have been dreaming of a house, and I now have my dream stove, sidecar, and car — that’s all.”