Ate Rowena’s story is one of resilience and hope, a narrative that illuminates the power of reintegration and community support. On June 21, 2022, she was sitting in a fast food restaurant, enjoying a meal and a moment of respite, when her life was abruptly interrupted. Accused under RA 9165, the Dangerous Drugs Act, she was detained, setting off a chain of events that would profoundly change her life.
The shock of the arrest, while she was engaged in something as routine as dining out, marked the beginning of a difficult chapter. Her time in detention was characterized by uncertainty and longing for her family, but she managed to maintain a connection through “e-dalaw” sessions, vital during the pandemic lockdowns. During this challenging period, her children’s well-being was safeguarded by their father and aunt. Her two children, CA, aged 20 and pursuing criminology, and EZ, a 17-year-old high school student, were a constant source of motivation.
Following her acquittal and release on April 13, 2023, Ate Rowena faced the daunting task of rebuilding her life amidst societal stigma and personal fears. It was during this time that an encounter with Ate Lorie, a fellow person restored to liberty, introduced her to HLAF’s Focused Reintegration of Ex-Detainees (FRED) program.
Despite initial hesitation, Ate Rowena embraced the opportunity. Engaging with Batch Masigasig, she found solace and empowerment in the structured activities and peer discussions, particularly benefiting from the session on Stigmatization. Through the program, she developed new skills, regained confidence, and formulated a renewed life vision.
Engaging with FRED was transformative, she said. It offered her a safe space to heal and grow, providing a structured environment focused on life skills and hope. One session that particularly resonated with her was the discussion on Stigmatization, where she found comfort and understanding among peers who shared her journey.
Ate Rowena’s journey, from an unexpected detention in a fast food restaurant to becoming a beacon of hope for others, underscores the transformative power of community support and structured reintegration programs. Her message to others is clear and inspiring “Huwag tayong matakot na lumahok, umimik, at sumali” – Do not be afraid to participate, speak, and join. Her story stands as a testament that with resilience and support, rebuilding and thriving post-incarceration is not just possible, but achievable.
Today, Ate Rowena is not only a thriving single mother but also an advocate for reintegration. Her journey underscores the importance of support systems and programs like FRED, which play a crucial role in empowering individuals to reclaim and rebuild their lives, inspiring others to overcome their challenges and pursue their dreams.