Rudilyn V. Amihan is a 32-year-old mother of three and a small business owner who runs a sari-sari store in their community. She lives in Barangay Dumarait, with her husband — a motorcycle driver — and her mother, who also stays in the same household. Rudilyn is protective of her daughters’ privacy but proudly shared that she is a mother of two beautiful girls age 14 and 11.
Recently, she gave birth to her third child — a baby boy — at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital (MOPH), where her delivery went smoothly and without complications. She recalled how joyful her husband was upon finally having a son, expressing his happiness and pride over their growing family.
Though they live simply, Rudilyn described their life as comfortable and content. Their combined efforts, including her sari-sari store and her husband’s work, allow them to meet their family’s needs and provide a stable, loving home.
Excerpt in Carrying More than Life: Four Mothers, One Struggle for Equity and Care
Rudilyn Amihan is both a mother and a small business owner, running a sari-sari (grocery) store. Her day starts before sunrise with tending to her two daughters, ages 14 and 11, one already in high school while the other is a graduating elementary student. Her day ends well past sundown managing their small business. She appreciates local health units for their support, but she notes how simply missing doses for prenatal care or needing to buy medications using her own pocket money can quickly add up to a lot financially. She shared how she didn’t feel like she could fully rely on free health care access and had to take matters into her own hands, buying medications, among other things, personally. Rudilyn shares the same sentiments as other people when talking about the government’s selective aid programs.
| “Way available kay wa man mi tabangi.”
(There’s nothing available because we weren’t given any help.)
In the absence of reliable government aid, she turns to her husband and relatives, but most importantly, her loyal customers from the community.
Though when asked about her hopes for better healthcare access, she mentioned how she would prefer if healthcare units had all the medications needed at all times, stating how medications are one of the most important healthcare factors that shouldn’t be overlooked.
| “Ang ayuda mawala raman na. Ang tambal… Mao nay mas tsada.”
(Financial aid disappears easily, but medicine… That’s what’s more important.)
YOHANNAN 
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