31/03/2026
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๐๐๐๐๐๐| ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐ฐ๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ง ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฌ: ๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก ๐ข๐ง ๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐
Before morning has greeted the sunrise, there it unfolds the eyes of women along with their tattered cycle day. A common day for another, but for them, each day are patterns accustomed to their dreams. Their efforts may sometimes be overlooked, while others are rushing through the hallways and safe spaces, they are there along with their numbing hands and swollen knees as not only the proof of hard work but a dignity they carry.
Leonor Sepane, or commonly known as "Ate Leonor", and Alona Mercado Presado, or fondly called as "Ate Alona" by the people in the campus, are among the quiet pillars in the small community of BatstateU-Lipa. Each day, they walk through the hallways of different buildings not to be seen, but to maintain the state of every space in clean, orderly, and ready for learning.
Ate Leonor has been working on the campus for 18 years, beginning at the age of 40, when she chose to take on the role of a utility worker to make ends meet for her family. What once began as a necessity became a source of pride, especially after experiencing hardships in her previous job. Carrying the responsibility with the strength of a mother, she devoted herself not only to her work, but to the future of her children.
Yet, behind her strong composure are the daily challenges that test both her body and spirit there were long hours of labor, physical exhaustion, and moments of difficulty, especially when faced with individuals who lack basic decency in using shared spaces.
โNaniniwala ako na makakaya at malalagpasan ko lahat ng pagsubok sa buhay dahil ako ay isang ina,โ Ate Leonor said.
As a solo parent, her strength is deeply rooted in her role as a mother. Today, she proudly shares that all three of her children have finished their studies, with one now teaching in the same campus she has long served. Through her journey, she embodies the truth that no role carried by a woman is ever small, as she believes that every woman is an essential part of a thriving community.
Ate Alona has also devoted nearly two years of service on the campus, where she has become a familiar presence to many. At her age, she found strength in the skills she had long practiced at home, turning everyday tasks into meaningful work that supports her family. Like others in her line of work, her days start even before sunrise, spent running errands and maintaining the cleanliness of her admits are among the most challenging areas to manage.
But beyond these routines lies a story of perseverance. Like Ate Leonor, she is also a solo parent who takes pride in having raised her children well that ensuring not only their finished education, but that they grew up with good values and a strong sense of faith.
โMaging masaya lang, maging kontento sa kung anong meron ka, i-enjoy mo lang ang buhay, at laban lang palagi,โ Ate Alona shared.
Her words reflect a life grounded in gratitude and resilience where her quiet determination lies into keep moving forward despite lifeโs hardships.
Despite the weight of responsibilities they carry, the warmth of these two women offers comfort for every student, staff, and faculty member, creating a quiet space they maintain not only to be polished but also as a reassurance to have a good learning environment.
Ate Leonor and Ate Alona are more than just a role of utility workers in the campus, but also women with a presence that makes life not just livable, but dignified.
Words by Chrisalyn G. Villalubos
Photos by Aaron John Paraiso, Neffertari Del Mundo
Layout by Ivan Silva
