As a social worker at the agency’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU), Mary Rochelle embodies the essence of an ‘Angel in Red Vest’, providing extra love and extra care in serving Filipinos who are poor, vulnerable and undergoing crisis.
As the nation celebrates Social Work Day on Tuesday (March 18), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which is home to the country’s social workers, takes into center stage the story of a social worker who continues to find purpose in serving.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has highlighted the significance of Social Work Day as an expression of appreciation to the vital role that social workers play in improving the well-being of individuals, families, and communities and in promoting social justice and human rights.
Such are the ideals that Mary Rochelle Fabricante has espoused ever since she became a social worker, an ‘Angel in Red Vest’ or ARV, at the DSWD.
Mary Rochelle grew up surrounded by the values of kindness and selflessness. Her father, a former barangay captain, and her mother, a simple housewife, instilled in her the importance of serving others with a genuine heart.
As the eldest of five siblings, Rochelle felt an early calling to dedicate her life to service—as a nun—believing that devoting herself to God and others would be her greatest fulfillment.
“Noong high school days, dapat ako ay magma-madre. Unfortunately po, ang aking nanay ay hindi pumayag kasi ako po ay panganay sa limang magkakapatid. Hindi naman po kasi kami well-off. Being in that kind of situation, nangangarap din po para sa pamilya namin na maging maayos ang nanay ko,” Mary Rochelle told the ‘Kwentong Angel in Red Vest (ARV)’ which premiered on Monday (March 17), in time for the Social Work Day celebration, over the DSWD Facebook page.
Because of her mother’s request, Mary Rochelle chose a different path—one that would allow her to still serve—but in a different way.
“Sabi ng nanay ko, ‘anak hindi naman sa ayaw ko yun, kaya lang sana ay mag-aral ka’,” she said.
Instead of entering the convent, Mary Rochelle pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Work which brought her the same joy and sense of purpose.
She quickly found a job at the DSWD.
Mary Rochelle is currently a Social Welfare Officer at the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU). She is one of those who assess and process thousands of requests for assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
“Para sa akin po, nasa vocation naman ako ng pagiging madre, ibang field nga lang. I can be with God at the same time ay nandyan pa yung dalawa kong beautiful children. So, nagkaroon pa ako ng kasama pag nagsisimba, pati ang asawa ko,” Mary Rochelle narrated.
While helping those in need, Mary Rochelle faced a challenge she never expected—she was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in 2023.
“Literal po na bumagsak lahat ng mundo ko,” Mary Rochelle said as she looked back on the day she found out that she has stage five CKD.
Despite her condition, Mary Rochelle refused to let her illness define her. Instead of stepping back, she pushed forward, determined to continue her advocacy. Even as she battled CKD, she remained on the frontlines, wearing her red vest and extending a helping hand to those in need.
“Una po sa lahat, syempre nandoon pa rin yung urge ko to help my family, maliliit pa po yung mga anak ko. Pangalawa, mas gusto ko pong nasa trabaho. Sabi ko nga, may sakit lang ako pero my heart, my mind, my body ay kaya pa pong magtrabaho,” Mary Rochelle explained.
“Para sa akin, every day is a blessing, na may kaya ka pang magawa, especially na nasa CIU pa po ako. Every day is a blessing to help other people,” she added.
Mary Rochelle is a true ‘Angel in Red Vest’—a living proof of service coming from the heart and no illness or challenge can weaken the spirit of someone dedicated to serve the poor, vulnerable, disadvantaged, and the marginalized.
“Bilang isang social worker, ang iisipin nyo po ay hindi lamang para sa sarili ninyo kundi para sa ibang tao. Para sa akin, angel is a blessing to everyone. That is why ang social worker is an angel na naglalakad sa lupa at everyday ay nandoon ang puso nya to help other people,” Mary Rochelle said.
The Kwentong ARV is a new program of the DSWD’s Strategic Communications hosted by Director Clarissa Lara Duran and airs every Monday over the DSWD Facebook page. It features stories of social workers and agency personnel who never tire in serving poor Filipinos with extra love and extra care.