How Siloys touch lives: A look back at the ‘strongest woman’

The story and the writer. Garcia-Yap started writing for CDN in August 2009. As a mother inspired by Amor’s story, she is sharing an ‘ourfie’ with her daughter Eleina.

Two years ago, I met one of the strongest women I came to know in this world.
I couldn’t help but admire Amor Lacaba, a single mom of two, who sold  bananas in Mandaue City’s streets to support her daughters.

I met her during the presentation of 23 finalists for the Search for “WINNERS” or the Women in Need Now Entrepreneurs and Role Models. Her story caught my attention because  she represents many others like her who struggle everyday to provide for her family.

I decided to write about her not only because she was among the finalists for the search organized by the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, but because her story reflects a woman’s ability for economic empowerment.

Lacaba sold  bananas mostly to jeepney and bus drivers and commuters along the city’s busy highways. She  managed to do this, while also finding time to take care of her children before they rushed to school in the morning.

Her day started at 3 a.m. when she set off to buy fresh bananas. She cooked them  and started selling as early as 6 a.m. After a hard day’s work, she could earn around P1,000 which she then used to buy  what  the family needed.

Being on the streets all day, Lacaba  had her share of accidents. She fell  twice from a bus and was nearly run over by a taxi. This didn’t stop her  from going back to the streets  the next day to sell her wares.

The hope of making her children’s dreams come true served as her motivation.

I got calls from readers after the story came out, not only from women but also from men who admired her  bravery and strength.

Among them was  shipping industry leader, Chester Cokaliong, who said he was  touched by Lacaba’s story and felt the need to help her even

Aileen Garcia Yap’s story on a determined single mom. Published October 13, 2011.

with a small amount.

He  said he admired her bravery and hard work while bringing up two kids. He said she was  a good example of small entrepreneurs who may succeed if given the right opportunities.

I agreed. Another reader  also contacted a fellow reporter  to send a modest amount as an anonymous contribution.   Unaware of these developments, Amor was invited to CDN, where we handed over a copy of the CDN issue where her story appeared and the monetary  assistance. She was  stunned and tried to hold back tears.  She said she would use it for seed money for her banana vending and keep the rest for savings.

Last I heard , Amor was still in the entrepreneurship program of the Mandaue Chamber. But instead of the streets, she has a stall in Mandaue city.