Beyond self-achievements: Bringing Transformation in the Society (BTS)

Eusebeia Joy Mendoza, or simply Beia, has been an achiever since childhood.

A consistent honor student from elementary to college, Beia dreamed of becoming a teacher like her parents. Everything changed, however, when she started high school where she found a special interest in home economics, especially its health and nutrition component. “Nag-enjoy ako pag-aralan ang science behind food. I found it interesting to know the nutritional status of people by computing their body mass index, pati iyong calorie computation.”

Eventually, Beia took Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Among the three practicum areas, Beia found joy in their community nutrition practicum where she and her classmates stayed in a rural barangay in Nagcarlan, Laguna for five weeks.

Before their practicum ended, Beia remembers listening to the children’s testimonials. “May bata na kumakain na ng gulay. Mayroon ding nagsabi na mahilig na siyang mag-toothbrush. Parang naluluha ako noon. Siguro sa iba maliit na bagay ‘yon, pero sa akin parang may mabuting nangyari doon sa mga ginawa namin kahit ilang weeks lang iyon.”

Another immersion work in Camotes Island strengthened her desire to do community work. “For some reason, I realized na gusto ko talagang mag-work with communities. I find joy in interacting with people.”

And that was just the start.

Greener pastures? Not for now

When asked if she has considered working overseas, Beia responded with a no but said that pursuing higher education abroad has always been a dream. Hence, she applied for a two-year scholarship in Belgium from 2015 to 2017.

Though occupied with studies, Beia had also time to reflect on how living conditions there differ from the Philippines. “The grass is really greener on this side of the world,” shared Beia. There were times when she could not help herself but compare the systems in the two countries. “Doon na-realize ko na the Philippines still has a long way to go,” Beia further said.

“I remember telling myself that I will return for the Filipino people. I feel like I want to help pa rin. Marami ang nangangailangan.”

These sentiments stem from Beia’s experiences in the field where she saw her fellowmen’s actual conditions, especially those living in remote and disadvantaged areas. “I want to help them if I can.”

Taking on the ZFF challenge

After her research work in UPLB and Nutrition Center of the Philippines, Beia felt ready to take on another adventure, this time with the Zuellig Family Foundation.

In 2019, Beia joined ZFF as Monitoring and Evaluation Associate for the Provincial Nutrition Governance Program in Samar, Northern Samar and Zamboanga del Norte. Her first year in the organization went by so fast, but Beia admits that she sometimes feels that she is still at the adjustment phase. “Little by little, day by day, nagle-learn pa rin ako,” Beia humbly said.

This learning process, according to Beia, is made possible and made easier by every people she met in the organization. “Nakita ko na dedicated talaga lahat ng staff. Sa unang taon ng pag-stay ko sa ZFF, nakita ko sa staff na they really love their work. They do it not because they have to, pero may ownership talaga.”

Beia also shared that she looks up to two particular people in ZFF. One is Dr. Catherine Chung, who inspired Beia with her own leadership journey. During the Health Leadership and Management Program for new staff, Beia remembers Dr. Cathy saying “Bakit ako mag-a-abroad? Kung hindi ako ang tutulong sa Pilipinas, sino pa?” It struck Beia because she admits that there are times when she still considers working abroad.

Beia also gets her daily motivation from Dr. Joyce Ann Viar. For Beia, Dr. Joyce is an epitome of an effective leader who handles her team not with intimidation but inspiration. When Beia feels that she fell short of expectations, she would always find her team encouraging her to do better, something she proudly tells her friends about. “Napakabait ng teammates ko. I found a family in my team.” It means a lot to her because ZFF’s work is often demanding but the encouragement and support she gets from her team keeps her going.

Another life achievement

Beia admits that the whole concept of leadership and governance was new to her. But this “something new” also offered Beia a new perspective in viewing health and nutrition, leadership and governance, and societal transformation.

“Nakita ko ang importance ng focus on leadership and governance. Na-appreciate ko iyong kahalagahan na naiintindihan ng local chief executives (LCEs) ang problema sa community. At mahalaga na hindi lang nila basta malaman o maintindihan, kung hindi ma-own din nila. The role of LCEs is vital for the change ng community. ‘Pag walang change sa leader, hindi rin gagalaw ‘yung transformation that we aspire for.”

Moving forward in the organization, now as the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Associate for the Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Foundation project in five areas (Basilan, Sarangani, Samar, Northern Samar, and Zamboanga del Norte), Beia hopes to build her confidence and continue improving her work. “Marami pa akong kailangan matutunan, but I consider working in ZFF as one of my achievements.”

Beia’s journey in ZFF coincided with the pandemic. It made the work more challenging, but it also made her appreciate even more the Foundation’s efforts to improve the health system in the Philippines.

Inspired by the song “Spring Day” by her favorite group BTS, Beia remains hopeful that the challenges they face are temporary and that they will continue to plant good seeds in the communities they serve.