73-year-old lola plows fields with pregnant carabao to provide for her grandchildren

A 73-year-old grandmother from Kabacan, North Cotabato is still plowing the fields despite her advanced age in order to provide for her grandchildren.

According to an episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Lola Bibiana’s youngest son, whose children are in her care, has been in jail in Davao. His case is sensitive and the investigations are still ongoing.

With no one else to fend for his children, Lola Bibiana takes her pregnant carabao Janet to work on farmlands so she can earn income and buy food.

“Three hundred lang ‘yung araw-araw natin sa araro, ‘yung kalabaw 600. Isang linggo na ‘yun pambili ng bigas. ‘Yun lang ang sa akin pag mag-aararo ako pero pag tao lang 300, kulang talaga,” she said.

(“With the help of a carabao, I can earn P600. That can buy one week of rice. If I plow by myself I would just earn P300, it’s really not enough.”)

When there are no fields to plow or water, she heads out to the highway in search of work.

“Kumukuha ako ng kangkong, nagpapakain ng baboy, kasi wala na akong ibang negosyo kasi, ‘yun lang at magbebenta ako ng mga pagkain ng baboy,” she said.

(“I gather some water spinach, feed pigs, because I don’t have any other business, and I also sell pig feeds.”)

Her children, who already have their own families, are worried about Lola Bibiana’s health as she continues to work despite her age.

“Nakonsensya rin ako, kung mayroon ako, bibigyan ko siya. Iniisip ang mga posibleng mangyari ni Mama sa daruhan: mainitan, ma-collapse ganyan ba kasi matanda na,” said her daughter, Jenny Rose.

(“I feel guilty, if I had extra money, I would provide for her too. I worry that she might collapse from the heat.”)

Even her grandchildren are concerned and some of them help her out with her work in the fields.

They miss their father, however, and long to see him again.

“Mahirap walang mga magulang kasi walang mag-aalaga sa amin. Tutulungan ko si Papa na makalaya. Matagal na, tatlong taon ko na siyang hindi nakikita,” said Justine, one of her grandchildren.

(“It’s difficult to have no parents because there is no one to take care of us. I want to help my Papa get his freedom. It’s been three years since I last saw him.”)

Lola Bibiana saves up part of her income so she can send some money to her incarcerated son. She wishes he can get his freedom soon so she can finally rest.

“Tumawag siya kahapon, sinabi ko, ‘Magdasal ka sa Diyos na makakalabas ka ngayong taon kasi hindi ko na kaya,’” said Lola Bibiana, who also dreams of owning a house someday.

(“He called yesterday, I told him, ‘Pray to God that you can be released this year because it’s difficult to fend for ourselves.’”)

Lola Bibiana said Janet, her carabao, is probably the only one who can truly relate to her struggles.

“Matanda na siya, mahina na talaga siya kasi buntis kasi. Pag wala ‘yan hindi ako nakakatulog, dito lang ‘yan siya pag gabi,” she said.

(“She’s old, she’s weak because she is also pregnant. If she’s not here, I won’t be able to sleep”)

She appreciates her carabao and everything that she has done to help her in the fields.

To make sure Lola Bibiana is in the pink of health, KMJS took her for a checkup. The doctor said she is still physically strong, but she shouldn’t involve herself with physically laborious work so she can avoid heart attacks.

The Municipal Office of Kabacan also gave groceries, rice, and construction materials for Lola Bibiana’s house. They also gave vitamins for Janet so she can remain healthy.

Edison Butete Official, a vlogger who previously featured Lola Bibiana, also donated fertilizer.

“Masaya at magaan ‘yung nararamdaman ko ngayon dahil sa binigay na biyaya ng Maykapal,” she said.

(“I feel happy right now because of all the Lord’s blessings.”)

Meanwhile, Salvacion Basiano from the National Anti-Poverty Commission, underscored the importance of government support for senior citizens like Lola Bibiana.

“Ang unang ugat, ‘yung kahirapan. Pangalawa, ‘yung kakulangan ng commitment ng ating gobyerno na bigyan ng makabuluhang pagtulong o assistance ang vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens. Lalo na ‘yung mga hindi masyadong nakapag-aral nang makataas.”

(“Problems like these root from poverty and the lack of government support. The government should provide assistance to the vulnerable sectors of the society, especially senior citizens who did not finish schooling.”)

For those who wish to extend some help to the family, you may send your donations to:

LANDBANK OF THE PHILIPPINES: KABACAN BRANCH
ACCOUNT NAME: BIBIANA B DETARINO
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 2736 2229 76

—MGP, GMA News