Ask any parent what is his or her most precious treasure on Earth and most will surely say it is their children.
As parents, we would sacrifice our lives just to protect our progeny from harm. As parents, we will do everything in our power to make sure our children will enjoy the best life has to offer or at least lead lives that are better than ours. That’s just what loving parents do for their children, I guess, even to the point of spoiling them at times.
In countries where close family ties is the norm like in our beloved archipelago of delicious coconuts and smiling carabaos, parents will even accommodate their married offspring and their respective families in their home if economic necessity dictates. Such is the love of parents, especially Filipino parents, for their children.
As a parent myself, this near-sighted Ibaloy writer is truly saddened to learn that adolescent births have been on the rise in the Summer Capital despite the Covid-19 pandemic, according to City Health Services Officer Rowena Galpo.11
Although we do not judge the actions of these young people since only God can do that, we can only imagine the challenges these adolescents and their families are facing with the situation they are in. Obviously, having such great responsibility put on their young shoulders as to bear and care for a child is surely difficult psychologically, economically, and in other ways. They need all the prayers and support they can get from their families and communities as a whole.
We are happy to note, however, that Galpo has assured much has been done and her office continues to work with other concerned departments and agencies including on parental care. She said the steady collaboration will surely improve the health concerns of the city’s adolescents and youth. That’s good to know. As they say, it takes a village to raise and care for a child.
Here’s “Love So Amazing” by Elaine Chetty: “My love for you is like the raging sea,/ So powerful and deep it will forever be./ Through storm, wind, and heavy rain,/ It will withstand every pain./ Our hearts are so pure and love so sweet./ I love you more with every heartbeat!”
Let’s end with a prayer: “Lord God, we dwell in your house, drink in your presence and find peace and rest in your arms. We believe in your name, ask for your healing and believe and trust in your love. We thank you for your sacrifice, receive all you have for us and pray and ask for restoration. We need your touch. We wait on you. You are our savior, our friend, and our hope. Amen.”
May our Lord and savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
