No storm could ever stop a person who has the amiable heart to serve and the burning passion to lead. Even the invisibly life-threatening virus could not hamper its enthusiastic character to sacrifice, by laying its own life in danger for the welfare of the common good.
For the past decade, Rosalie has completely thought that she finally clasped to her purpose in life - to teach. For three consecutive years, her life typically whirled around the four-cornered classroom. It took some time and uncertainties before she plummeted into a profound realization that teaching was not her calling. Unexpectedly, her life pivoted into another breakthrough of becoming a policewoman.
"When you are dedicated to your work, naa g'yud diay time management," Rosalie uttered.
Eighteen years have passed, and up until now, she has been burning the candle to both ends to serve the people. Time is a part of herself that she has given wholeheartedly to people who seek justice and peace. She has been an investigator for violence against women and children. Women empowerment and protecting abused women and children is her top priority.
The pandemic has whacked her way and has put her life at the crater of risk. She vividly remembered how much she struggled to carry a life in her womb at the age of 45 and at the same time, did not want to compromise her job. It takes such iron willpower to pursue her passion against all odds.
ROSALIE AS A FRONTLINER
Rosalie, as a police officer, have quite observed that during this time of crisis, people tend to take for granted and obstruct simply constructed health protocols from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF)
"Pagtoo man gud nila nga kaming mga police officers, dili kapoyon. Kapoyon pod intawn mi. Naa mi pamilya unya inig pauli, bisan naay covid, nagserve gihapon mi sa katawhan," she said with conviction.
She is thirsty for people who have an ear that listens and the mind that follows. Despite the hard-headed violators of the proposed health protocols, never did it crossed her mind to give up or even take a break, because she truly knows that this is her calling and purpose.
ROSALIE AS A MOTHER
As a mother of a one-year-old baby, fear permanently haunts her heart for the possibility of drawing the virus close to her family, since she is highly exposed to a lot of people every day. Not even once did she forget to take off her clothes and disinfect them before getting a hold of her beloved baby. Finding the perfect balance of protecting her family, herself, and the people in the community was quite tough for her but she extraordinarily perseveres because she was blessed to have a life partner who truly understands her duty as a policewoman.
"Bisan unsa kalisud ang atong trabaho, kung naa tay passion to serve, mawala ra g'yud and kakapoy," Rosalie said.
Sacrifice is the consequence of love yet it is Rosalie's foundation that drives her to public service. Her burning passion to serve has already been pierced to her soul.
"Nanumpa mi nga moserbisyo sa katawhan bisan stressed na ug kapoy na," she speaks with integrity.
Indeed, Rosalie withstands the test of time and all of the adversities that have challenged her way as a front liner and as a mother. She is truly an epitome of a modern hero; a phenomenal woman whose courage is solidified by her love for service.
Written and Photographed by: Samantha Mae Ronolo Cayon
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