“Serving with a heart.”
These are the words that Maria Anthea Navales holds close as she navigates through the many challenges in her life.
Though she experienced hardships and heart break, Anthea found a new sense of purpose — dedicating herself to serving others and providing assistance to those in need.
“Napagdesisyonan ko po na kumuha ng Social Work dahil gusto kong magkaroon ng better na trabaho at umalis sa corporate world dahil paulit-ulit na lang yung nagiging trabaho, walang self-development at hindi ko nakikita kung ano yung gusto ko,” Anthea said in an interview with the third episode of Kwentong Angels in Red Vests (ARV), the latest online documentary of the DSWD’s Strategic Communications.
Anthea’s journey led her to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), where she serves as a social worker.
As a social worker, Anthea processes and assesses thousands of documents to assist families and individuals who are in need of immediate assistance.
Each time she successfully assists a fellow Filipino, Anthea said she feels an indescribable joy and renewed energy.
“Kung titingnan ko yung nakaraan ko versus sa ngayon, makikita ko na ibang-iba na ako… Mayroon akong pinanghahawakan dahil mayroon ako lisensya, nakakatulong din ako sa kapwa ko sa iba’t ibang lugar, lalong lalo na rito sa DSWD,” Anthea told Director Lara Duran of the DSWD’s Public Relations Service (PRS) who hosts the online program.
Seeing people regain hope because of the help she extends reminds her why she chose this path.
“Yung hinding-hindi ko po makakalimutan ay yung nagkaroon ako ng client na nagki-chemo therapy pati na rin yung asawa niya, at the same time ay nagda-dialysis po siya. Alam ng wife niya na anytime ay pwede na siyang kunin, chronic kidney disease stage five na siya. Pero dahil nga mayroon namang program, mayroon pang paraan, mayroon pa siyang pagkukunan ng medical assistance, pinu-push niya pa rin para lang ma-extend pa ang buhay ng asawa niya,” Anthea narrated.
Anthea added: “Ang sakit sa part ko pero hindi ko pwedeng ipakita na nalulungkot ako kasi kailangan ko pa ring maging professional.”
But just like many frontliners in the field of social service, Anthea is no stranger to difficulties.
There were times when she received harsh words from distressed clients — moments that tested her patience and strength.
“Ang sabi sa akin, ‘alam mo hindi ka bagay na maging social worker, napakasama mo.’ Hindi raw akong marunong magingbconsiderate sa mga katulad nila na ang tagal pumila tapos hindi mo ibibigay yung tulong na hinihingi nya,” Anthea said.
Anthea said there are sets of guidelines they need to abide in assessing and disbursing financial assistance through the AICS.
The young social worker said there were moments when she thought about giving up.
“Feeling ko noong time na yun ay hindi pala ako effective,” Anthea said.
Yet, in the face of it all, Anthea chose to stay and continue to serve with all her heart.
“Hindi ako mag-iiba sa pagiging social worker ko kasi hanggang nakikita ko na marami pang tao na gustong humingi ng tulong, tutulungan ko. Kahit mag walk-in man sila o through referral, tutulungan ko sila,” Anthea said.
The Kwentong ARV airs every other Monday over the DSWD Facebook page. It features stories of social workers and agency personnel dedicated to serving poor Filipinos with extra love and extra care. (YADP)