In the vibrant town of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, life for Ms. Mitzi M. Delima has been a tapestry woven with hardship, resilience, and hope. At 43 years old, she is a proud mother to five children, each of whom she fiercely loves and nurtures. Her daily life once revolved around managing a modest household, her existence characterized by quiet endurance and silent suffering. As a victim of domestic violence, Mitzi endured physical and emotional abuse behind closed doors, her voice often stifled by fear and societal expectations. Financial dependence on her husband left her feeling powerless, trapped in a cycle of helplessness that seemed unbreakable. With no stable income and five mouths to feed, she believed escape was impossible—until a chance intervention ignited a spark of hope within her.
Her metamorphosis began in 2015 through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). As a beneficiary of the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), Mitzi was presented with an opportunity to learn and grow—a lifeline that would alter her destiny. She enrolled in a Technical-Vocational Skills Training under the Employment Facilitation (EF) Track, choosing Massage Therapy NC II at the Skills Mastery Institute (SMI), a partner institution of DSWD. The decision was bold; her husband’s threats and resistance loomed large, but her determination to change her story was stronger. With each lesson, each certification earned, Mitzi reclaimed her dignity and gained the courage to envision a life beyond abuse.
“Kung dili tungod sa training sa DSWD-SLP, dili nako makaya nga biyaan akong bana. Wala koy ika-buhi sa akong kaugalingon ug sa akong mga anak. Dili lang panginabuhian ang akong nakuha, kundi apil ang empowerment ug kakugihan. Maong na-independent ko karon,” she shares, her voice imbued with newfound confidence. (If not for the training from DSWD-SLP, I wouldn’t have had the strength to leave my husband. I had no means to support myself and my children. I didn’t just gain a livelihood, but also empowerment and diligence. That’s why I am independent now.)
Her journey from 2015 to 2019 was marked by hard work and perseverance. Mitzi secured a position as a massage therapist at Elements Spa in Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, earning a steady Php10,000 monthly income. This role not only provided financial stability but also rekindled her sense of purpose and self-worth. The pandemic, however, tested her resilience; the sudden loss of her job forced her into a new reality of hardship. Undeterred, she took on manual labor—accepting low wages and grueling hours—to support her family through the storm. Her unwavering spirit became her greatest asset, demonstrating that resilience often blossoms in adversity.
As the covid-19 restrictions eased in 2021, Mitzi’s determination paid off once more. She returned to her previous job, earning a promotion as a trainer for aspiring massage therapists. This new role elevated her income and enabled her to share her expertise, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. Her evolution from a dependent housewife to a community leader exemplifies how
livelihood programs foster lasting economic independence and social empowerment.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mitzi has become a passionate advocate for women’s rights, actively promoting awareness of RA 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act. Her voice now echoes in community dialogues, empowering women to seek help and stand against abuse. As a mentor and trainer, she dedicates herself to nurturing others, transforming her personal pain into a force for positive change.
Mitzi’s story is more than a tale of survival; it is a testament to the transformative power of opportunity, support, and self-belief. Her journey underscores that overcoming abuse is not just about leaving a toxic situation but about rebuilding a life rooted in dignity, purpose, and hope. “I am not just a victim—I am a survivor, a provider, a mother, and an advocate. My past does not define me; it strengthens me,” she affirms passionately.
Today, Ms. Mitzi M. Delima stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment, inspiring countless women in her community to break free from chains of silence and fear. Her story proves that with courage, community support, and access to sustainable programs, even the most daunting challenges can be turned into stepping stones toward a brighter, more independent future. Through her unwavering resolve, she continues to turn her dreams into reality—proof that true empowerment is both personal and transformational.
