REP. JULIENNE BARONDA
Lone District of Iloilo City
Q: Being an elected government official, how do
you manage your time with your children?
My daughter Nana understands that public service is a 24/7 commitment, and I am blessed that she supports the work that I do. But I also know how important spending time with her is and how it affects her growth.
For this, Nana and I mutually agree on our “date” days. It changes weekly, depending on the load of my office work and her school work. Once we decide on a time and day, we both make sure that we complete all our responsibilities. Our momdaughter dates have become some sort of motivation for us to complete our tasks so we can spend time with each other.
It may not be ideal for others, but I’m thankful that I can both serve the people and be a mom to Nana.
Q: What is your most beautiful bonding
moment with your daughter?
This question is tough, since there are so many. (Haha…) But I treasure our movie nights the most. We both like how laidback our movie nights are. We don our most comfortable pajamas, switch off the lights, start the movie, and we both get lost in the art of visual story telling.
And when the credits roll, we discuss our thoughts on the film. I love this part the most since this is one of the ways I get to see what goes on in the head of my daughter. Her reflection of the movie gives me a better idea of what she values and what she observes. In this moment, I see her grow before my very eyes. It is beautiful, really. Though it may seem simple to others, this experience gives me this warm feeling of profound joy and happiness.
Q: What is your message to all Moms?
I have much respect for my fellow mothers, more especially single moms. Motherhood can be challenging and frustrating at times, but it is always fulfilling. I salute you for always prioritizing the members of your family, but I also encourage you to take care of yourself. We cannot give what we do not have, and if we have exhausted ourselves, our loved ones feel it, too.
Thank you for being selfless. Although sometimes left unsaid, I’m confident that our families appreciate all that we do. You are loved!