Redefining happiness, finding purpose

There is no one hard definition for happiness. It differs from person to person, but it is undoubtedly an essential feature of human life. For some, happiness is the destination, but some would say it’s the journey.

Where happiness truly lies has been a constant puzzle for Ma. Jerry Elopre, who prefers to be called Geri. She belongs to a close-knit family who lived a fairly comfortable life in Dipolog. She had her own nanny, and she usually got what she wanted.

The life she had in Dipolog allowed young Geri to do what she loved the most—dancing. It was always a joy for her to perform on stage. She has been a frequent performer in town plazas during fiestas and in school events. One time, Geri also got an invitation to perform on television but was strongly opposed by her father.

Geri described her teenage self as “worldly”. Loved and pampered by siblings, “Hindi bale nang walang baon ang kapatid ko basta mayroon ako. Umaalis ako ng bahay kahit ayaw ng nanay ko. Tinapos ko agad ang mga gawaing bahay para makapaglakwatsa ako.” She would often go out with her clique and spend night outs in parties. Geri also used the term maarte to describe herself then. She loved clothes and frequently changed her hairstyle too, according to her mood. People who personally know her can attest that Geri made the most of her youth.

Despite the privileges she enjoyed, however, Geri felt an emptiness she could not even describe. “At the end of the day, hindi ako happy. Matagal bago ko nakita ang meaning ng buhay ko.”

Encountering God

Geri had many plans in her life and whether they were achieved or not, she was never completely happy. Happiness seemed elusive for Geri. She tried to get that happiness in parties, in her friends, and even in her work. Hardworking and dedicated worker Geri might be but only a few knew that work was valuable to her, as it was her way to escape from the darkness and emptiness that was slowly choking her.

Geri slowly discerned that she might have been too stubborn to see that the Lord’s plans were different from hers. She never wanted to be a nurse, yet she ended up becoming one.

Once at her lowest, someone began ministering to her. It opened the door for Geri to see a different kind of life. While joining a fellowship group, Geri witnessed how people can be happy and content without glittering lights, nightlong parties, or fancy clothes. It was the kind of happiness that gave her peace, and she knew right at that moment that it was the one thing she has been longing for.

“Matigas ang ulo ko, but God taught me how to submit to His will and set priorities in life,” Geri shared. These priorities slowly shifted from her worldly desires to her longing to use her talent to help other people.

Unparalleled dedication

Geri first worked in the Nutrition Center of the Philippines and was assigned in Bukidnon. She then returned to Dipolog for another opportunity. Geri does not count herself among the wisest, but what sets her apart is her commitment. “Kapag may gagawin ako I really give my best. I kept my feet on the ground and continued improving myself.” She recognizes her limitations, but she earned the respect of her colleagues because of her unparalleled dedication.

She started as a City Health Nurse in Dapitan City without formal training and eventually became a provincial program coordinator with five programs in tow. She familiarized herself with what’s happening on the ground. She personally visited municipalities, cities and barangays province-wide, monitored accomplishments and performances, coached and mentored health workers, when challenges arose. She devised a system so she can be more efficient in her work by either getting immediate OPT results, improving data management for better planning, among others.

Community members in most Local Government Units (LGUs) knew her, including doctors, nurses, midwives and barangay health workers. She immersed in the community and spent nights in the Rural Health Units. She learned how things worked in the barangay. She learned how the people lived in the community. Geri learned her work through and with the people in the community.

“I consider my workplace as my home. My partners are also my family.”

A distant star

A few friends offered help so she could work abroad, but Geri chose to stay with her three sons and held on to her belief that God has His reasons. “I believed that it was not His will. Naisip ko na kahit nasaan ka man, you can choose to be happy and serve the people. As for me, I chose to pay it back,” Geri added.

While working in another non-profit organization in Mindanao, Geri first heard about the Zuellig Family Foundation. ZFF seemed like a distant star for her. “Parang hanggang tingin lang sa akin ang ZFF noon.” She would often hear people saying that Local Chief Executives always mention ZFF in their meetings. ZFF was always the ‘bida’. It piqued Geri’s curiosity.

When she visited one of the most deprived LGUs she had known, Geri was astonished to see significant improvements. Maternity clinics were already established. More mothers choose to give birth in health facilities. She later found out that the mayor attended ZFF’s Bridging Leadership program.

Geri seized the opportunity to join the organization when she finally found a chance. She had her doubts, but Geri went for it nonetheless. It’s not every day that you get the chance to see a star up close, she told herself.

In October 2017, Geri joined ZFF as Consultant Associate for Zamboanga Peninsula (Zamboanga del Norte, Dipolog, and Pagadian) for the ZFF-United States Agency for International Development Institutionalization of the Health Leadership and Governance Project. She immediately felt that she was in the right place. It was a confirmation that she was on the right track. She has seen how each staff member owns every challenge and recognizes that one cannot find a solution alone. In ZFF, Geri found people who share the same goal of making a difference in the lives of people and having the commitment to do so.

It was not an easy journey, though. Convincing the governor to undergo ZFF’s Bridging Leadership training had been quite a challenge. But with her faith and determination, Geri eventually earned the governor’s trust and commitment to the program. She even remembered ZFF Chairman Prof. Ernesto Garilao asking her what she did to convince the governor.

“Sabi ko lang kay Gov, I will work with you.” Geri made sure that the LGU would not feel being bossed around or that they are just there to get data. Geri built a partnership with them. She even recalled that the governor included her in their office memo. “Akala yata ni Gov, staff n’ya ako,” Geri quipped.

It’s been years since Geri first set foot in ZFF, but her appreciation for the Foundation still grows each day. Now as a Provincial Associate for Zamboanga in ZFF, Geri reflects that a heart that serves is a heart that finds happiness and contentment. That’s exactly what she found. “Matatalino ang mga tao dito. Pero kung may ipagmamalaki man kami, more than excellence, ang ZFF ay may puso.”