“Your struggles do not define you. It is your life and your story.”
Among the stories of strength are single mothers who carry the weight of parenthood. Social advocate Tatiana Pono empowers solo mothers through her Lasallian Champion (LChamp) advocacy, Bugambilya: Ang Pagpamulak Sang Paglaum, also known as the Bugambilya Project as the 2024 LChamp of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Raised by her mother, Krishiel Irelle Katague, Tatiana witnessed firsthand the sacrifices of a young single parent. Krishiel had Tatiana at 19 years old while pursuing a Marketing degree in 2004 at the University. With the love and support of her parents, she persevered, balancing motherhood and academics. She later achieved her dream of becoming a flight attendant, though it meant long separations from her daughter.
“Being the daughter of a single mother made me mature at a young age,” Tatiana shared. “She had to leave me behind for the sake of my future. As a child, I didn’t understand it but as I grew older, I realized the sacrifices she had to make, not because she didn’t care for me but because she cared too much.” Tatiana recalls fondly. Despite the distance between them, their emotional bond was unbreakable. The long periods of separation only make each meeting sweeter.
Tatiana credits her mother’s resilience as the foundation of her own perseverance. She recalls a memory of her mother’s fearlessness. When they lived in Manila, heavy flooding forced Krishiel to carry Tatiana in a makeshift basket through rising waters to reach safety. This left a lasting impression on Tats, shaping a deeper admiration for her mother’s strength and love.
As she grew up, Tats realized that her life was bigger than her personal experience and she took the chance to lead and advocate for causes she held dear to her. Her defining moment came in her 3rd year of college during her thesis which focused on solo parent farmers. This strengthened her resolve for advocating for the stories of the people who are often left unheard. Chosen to be the Lasallian Champion 2024 of the College of Arts and Sciences, she spearheaded the Bugambilya Project.
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This was an income-generating project for the solo mothers of the barangay. It provided them an avenue to community-based support systems, and educational sessions. The Bugambilya Project ensured that the mothers of Brgy. Guinpanaan Moises Padilla were not only surviving but thriving. What started as a small food cart has grown into a thriving eatery, offering pastries and pizzas.
Tatiana believes that we each have the opportunity to shape our story and that we shouldn’t be shackled by how we grew up. “If I had let my identity as the daughter of a single mother limit me, I wouldn't be who I am today. Don’t let others’ perceptions define you.” She further explains that it is up to us to do something significant. Taking small steps can create a big impact.
With Bugambilya’s anniversary approaching, Tats’ remarks that she is confident it will continue to grow. The project became more than just a short-term thing, it is now a staple lifestyle for the community of the barangay. Through her work, Tatiana continues to honor her mother’s strength and uplift those walking a similar path.
This Women’s Month, Tatiana’s story reminds us that resilience is not just about enduring struggles—it’s about transforming them into opportunities for change.