Obcial Family Celebrates College Graduation as a Milestone of Sacrifice and Faith
In the quiet Purok 6, Barangay Tangkigan, Mabini, Bohol, a story of strength and hope unfolds through the life of Annabel Flojo Obcial and her family. Carved by poverty but fortified by faith and unity, their journey reached a significant milestone with the college graduation of Mark Jayson, symbolizing years of sacrifice, perseverance, and unshakable belief.
A Family Forged in Adversity
Annabel grew up in poverty, forced to stop her education to help her family. In her youth, they raised pigs and chickens, relying on garden harvests for meals. After high school, she moved to Manila seeking better opportunities, where she met her husband, Ernesto D. Obcial, and together they built a family with four children.
The early years of their marriage were marked by hardship, living in a cramped rented space near Fort Bonifacio. Often, their meals consisted only of salt and dried fish to save money for medicine, especially for their eldest child, Annie Flor, who suffered from asthma. In 2011, Ernesto lost his job when his company closed, and he was diagnosed with diabetes, deepening their struggles. They returned to Mabini in 2012 to start anew.
Resilience Through Farming and Community Support
Back in Bohol, Ernesto diligently farmed rice and vegetables, the primary livelihood for the family, cultivating not just crops but hope and sustenance for their children's future. Annabel sold camote cue and banana cue to supplement their income, with their children helping by selling at school. In 2015, hope arrived when they were accepted into the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The cash grants assisted in purchasing school supplies and nutritious food, while the Family Development Sessions provided knowledge on responsible parenting and disaster preparedness. Annabel reflects, "No matter how difficult life is, if the family works together and faith remains strong, no storm is insurmountable."
Overcoming Modern Challenges
The family faced further trials during the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Odette, which destroyed their home and livelihood. Through prayer, unity, and community support, they managed to rebuild and persevere. Today, their resilience has borne fruit: Annie Flor is now a licensed teacher, and Mark Jayson works at the Municipal Agriculture Office of LGU Mabini, with their two younger siblings continuing their education.
For Annabel, the greatest treasure is family. "Hope should never be abandoned," she says, a reminder that faith and unity are the true strengths against any adversity. This graduation is not just a personal achievement but a beacon of inspiration for many facing similar struggles.
