Once a team player, always a team player 

Rona Pesimo had a simple but happy provincial life in Camarines Sur. Farming was their primary livelihood. Rice fields were Rona’s playground. While most children would usually play on the streets, Rona and her four siblings opted to help their parents plant rice. As the Filipino folk song goes, “Magtanim ay ‘di biro,” but it taught them the value of discipline and hardwork. 

“Naalala ko naliligo kami sa irrigation, mangunguha ng alamang. Kami ang pinakamahirap sa pamilya namin pero masaya kami,” Rona recalled. Through their parents’ determination, Rona and her siblings were able to finish their studies. Times were hard but they persevered as one family. “Sabi ng tatay ko, walang ibang tutulong sa inyo kundi kayo kayo lang magkakapatid. Magmahalan kayo. Wag kayong mag away. Maswerte kami sa magulang namin.” Their parents may not have witnessed them live a more comfortable life, but Rona is certain that they are watching over them every single day. The love shared by their parents shaped their character and created a bond among them that can never be taken away. 

Finding a team in and out of court

Rona has always been into sports. She was fascinated with chess, but she discovered that she can also play basketball when she entered college. She eventually joined their university women’s basketball team. Juggling studies and training was never easy, but her passion endured. While enjoying the game, Rona learned the value of discipline and teamwork. “Dito, natutunan ko na hindi lang sarili ang isipin, kasi hindi ka mag-isa sa court. Lima kayo doon e. ‘Yong lima na yon, magtutulungan kayo sa offense and defense.”

As an athlete, Rona got to see other places as she competed outside Camarines Sur. She also got tuition fee discounts and stipends. It was a huge help for her family, and it enabled her to support her schooling until she finally earned her degree. 

For seven years, Rona worked in customs and it delighted her to finally provide for her family. If it weren’t for an internal conflict, Rona would have stayed. But another door opened for her and she saw it as a perfect chance to practice her profession. 

“Hindi na ako nagdalawang isip noon, kahit di ko pa alam ang naghihintay sa akin.” In July 2012, Rona joined Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF). In her first five years, Rona has shown what dedication means. She endured a daily three-hour commute from Cavite to Parañaque, but she did not even have a record of tardiness. “Ganoon siguro talaga kapag gusto mo ang ginagawa mo,” said Rona.  

The everyday heavy traffic in West Service Road was coupled by the piles of work. Rona had a hard time catching up, but she always had help. In her own words, “Hindi sila madamot sa ideas nila.” Her colleagues would always extend a helping hand to share the load. She found a team that helped her reach her goals. 

Learning and coping

In ZFF, Rona learned to explore what she can do beyond her capacity. The Foundation let her do more. Staff development training activities were always made available. “Hanggang kaya mong i-explore, gawin mo. Hindi ka limited sa kapasidad mo. Binibigyan ka ng chance to do more. Hindi naman lahat ng gusto natin makukuha natin. May inilaan para sa atin, pero hindi ibig sabihin eh titigil ka na.”

There was a time, however, when Rona thought of leaving. A past circumstance became overwhelming for Rona, and it almost got the best of her. “Sabi ko ayoko na, aalis na lang ako. Hindi ko na ata kaya. Sabi ko sa nanay ko, ayoko na dito, uuwi na ako.” But when things seemed dark for her, Rona found help and comfort from a colleague that she feels forever indebted to. “Hindi ako pinabayaan ni Sir Wes [Villanueva],” Rona recalled. The care she felt from Wes was enough for Rona to continue fighting until things eventually fell into place. 

Asked about what she wants to do more of, Rona said that it would mean much to her if she ever got the chance to visit the communities. “Ako ang nagbu-book ng flights nila, pero ako ang ‘di pa nakakasakay ng eroplano. Pero kahit ganoon, kahit backdoor kami, kahit ‘di kami nakikita ng marami, kahit wala kami sa ground, ramdam ko na may nagagawa ako para sa iba. Napapawi noon lahat ng pagod.”

Rona is not yet done with her dreams, but she knows that she is not alone in this journey. Her ZFF family has ever been supportive of her aspirations and she is certain that it will remain so. “Bihira ang kumpanya na tutulungan kang umunlad. Binigyan nila ako ng life lessons more than just providing salary. Pakiramdam ko binigay talaga ito sa akin ni Lord.”