Putting God First

I am Marilou B. Veloso, 36 years old and a resident of Barangay 105, Happyland, Tondo, Manila.

We are five siblings in the family and we are from Masbate. I was able to finish Second Year of BA Marketing.

I have four children — Prince Jhay, John Jacob, John Benedict, and Feejay Jr. My husband, Feejay is a truck helper.

I am a parent leader of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). I am also a community volunteer of the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI).

KKFI is one of the organizations that helped my family and other families in Happyland when the pandemic broke in 2020. They provided us food packs and hygiene kits.

KKFI also provided free livelihood training workshop with Sir John Jacinto and Sir Vicente Eliver teaching us how to make powder detergent, dishwashing liquid, and fabric conditioner. They also conducted a training seminar on entrepreneurship, which I applied in my vegetable business, which has become a big help to the family after my husband lost his job during the pandemic.

Although we are not formally organized, many are joining our group that we call “Tondo Core Group Leaders.” With the help and guidance of Ma’am Flora Mae Tatoy and Ma’am Nora Guevarra, we were able to conduct an election of the Board of Directors. I am one of the elected BOD of Tondo.

I learned a lot as a BOD member, such as skills in cooperative development and organizational development.

The training seminars I attended gave me a positive outlook in life, and I learned how to be a good leader. I also apply what I learned in my family. I am able to manage my problems with hope and a smile on my face. I always trust God will help and guide me. I put him first in my life.

I thank KKFI and its staff for the support they give us. Thank you for the training workshops and seminars.

To my co-residents of Happyland, love one other, help each other, and be united for the development of our barangay.

To my fellow BOD, let us continue helping and guiding each other. Let us develop our group and take care of each other. Let us put God first and above all.