In the small barangay of Garreta, Pidigan, Abra where responsibilities often define a woman’s limits, Florgale Tadeo Paculan refused to let hers define her future.
A mother of three and a licensed professional teacher currently seeking employment, Florgale continues to hold on to her passion for teaching and serving others. Though opportunities have yet to align with her qualifications, she remains hopeful and determined. Like many women, she balances her days between nurturing her children and striving for a better future for her family.
“Before, I felt like a disappointment and had no direction in life,” she shared. But empowerment sometimes begins in unexpected places, in barangay halls, in community meetings, in the simple decision to volunteer.
Her journey with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) began in 2023 when she served as a Municipal Coordinating Team Encoder during the implementation of Kapangyarihan at Kaunlaran sa Barangay (KKB) Cash-for-Work Program (CFWP) modality in her barangay. While encoding data, she immersed herself in the processes of community development. She saw that implementing projects was challenging and demanded transparency, collaboration, and perseverance, but she also realized how profoundly it could inspire and uplift the lives of her community.
Wanting to contribute more, she later stepped up as the Participatory Situational Analysis Chairperson. In this role, she helped identify the most pressing needs of their barangay and presented these before the community. For someone who once doubted her voice, standing in front of others was both frightening and empowering.
“I felt nervous, but at the same time excited because I was given the opportunity to speak and share the pressing needs of our barangay,” she said.
Through volunteering, Florgale strengthened her critical thinking, decision-making, and public speaking skills. Engaging in community consultations and project activities required her to analyze the needs of the barangay, contribute ideas, and take part in collective decision-making. What once felt intimidating gradually became an opportunity to grow. Each meeting and community assembly helped her find her voice, transforming hesitation into confidence and allowing her to speak not only for herself, but for the needs of her community.
“As a woman, I am proud that I was empowered. I realized that I am not only a mother or a plain housewife, but a woman who knows what is best for everyone,” she added.
She acknowledges that women leaders are often perceived as weak or too soft-hearted. Yet she believes that true leadership is rooted not in physical strength, but in courage and conviction.
This Women’s Month, Florgale’s story reminds us that empowerment is not defined by employment status or position. It is about reclaiming confidence, finding one’s voice, and stepping forward despite limitations.
From self-doubt to self-discovery, her journey proves that when women are given space to serve, they do more than contribute, they transform. #DSWD-CAR, KALAHI-CIDSS RPMO, Yvonne Gracious T. Elegado, Project Development Officer III
