A determined kargador and pandesal vendor, and an NBB beneficiary October 25, 2013

It took me around 40 minutes ride from Tuguegarao City to reach Barangay Concepcion, Amulung, Cagayan. With eagerness to meet the member beneficiary for the first time, I chose to seat beside the driver who is familiar with the place. Minutes after reaching the place and after asking a group of residents, I was brought to my interviewee, Joseph dela Cruz.

Joseph maybe one of the less-fortunate individuals when it comes to material things but he said that having less doesn’t mean nothing at all. This was because of his experience with PhilHealth.

He recalled what happened when his wife was confined and later operated due to ovarian new growth and which has developed into endodermal sinus tumor. He said that he did not consider his status as a hindrance to bring his wife to the hospital and be treated by a doctor, especially so that his wife needs immediate medical and surgical attention. "Kapag pamilya mo na ang maysakit, hindi mo iisipin na wala kang pera" says Joseph who earns P200 from selling pandesal.

Joseph describes his life story as something that could inspire everybody, especially those who loses hope to live given present economic conditions.