Sagbayan, Bohol – 46-year-old bachelor, Jonilo Tellor’s commitment to caring for his bedridden mother, 77-year-old widow, Cristina Tellor exemplifies the value of filial piety. Despite facing immense challenges, Jonilo selflessly prioritizes his mother’s well-being above all else, sacrificing personal aspirations and enduring hardships to make sure she is cared for while prolonging her life.
“After a long day in the fields, I’m exhausted, but I tend to my mother’s needs as soon as I get home. It’s challenging, but she’s my responsibility, and I won’t abandon her, because my mother has been so good to me, I want to give back to her while she is still alive” Jonilo stated.
When Typhoon Odette ravaged their only prized possession – their home, Jonilo rebuilt a small shelter using salvaged materials. It was inhabitable for someone like his mother who requires specific palliative surrounding given her condition, but for Jonilo, it was better than nothing. Destiny reciprocated Jonilo’s altruism when their destitute situation was found out by Tzu Chi volunteers in Sagbayan and referred them to be beneficiaries of the Happy Home project.
“When I saw Cristina lying there without proper bedding or shelter, I knew we had to help,” said Liezel Comamao, local volunteer from Sagbayan.
On February 23, 2024, Tzu Chi volunteers bequeathed Joni and his mother their Happy Home and along with groceries and essential items to bless their newly built house, Cristina was bestowed with a wheelchair, a sleeping mattress, a blanket and nutritional milk.
“We hope that we are spreading the seeds of kindness and love to each community in every family and life that we touch”. Brother Michael Siao stated.
Jonilo could not contain to express his contentment and happiness, “It seems like God saw our struggles and He heard my prayers. He provided us with a home through the Tzu Chi Foundation. Thank you very much Tzu Chi.”
His dedication to unconditionally care for his mother serves as an indication to the timeless virtue of honoring respecting and giving love to one’s parents, embodying the essence of filial piety espoused by Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Jing Si Aphorism, “There are two things in life that cannot wait: fulfilling filial piety and doing good deeds.” Moreover, the assistance provided by organizations like the Tzu Chi Foundation in Bohol highlights the communal compassion and support in uplifting individuals facing adversity by showing benevolence and kindness in nurturing a more caring and harmonious society.
𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲
