The story of Daday
FOR 19 years, Loreta “Daday” Alacre devoted her life to working abroad as a caregiver, armed with a simple desire: to uplift her family in Sitio Camay-an, Barangay Cadiz Viejo, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.
Sadly, two months before her 50th birthday in December and planned retirement, she died in a gruesome bombing incident in the Gaza Strip in Palestine on Oct. 7, 2023.
Daday, 49, a caregiver in Tel Aviv, Israel, was attending the Super Nova Music Festival on the night of Oct. 7 in the desert near Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip with her Chinese boyfriend when Hamas rebels staged an attack.
The attack resulted in the deaths and injuries of countless individuals. Tragically, Daday and three other Filipinos lost their lives, though her boyfriend survived.
Daday’s untimely death was a devastating shock to her family in Cadiz, which they still struggle to accept.
HEARTBREAKING HOMECOMING
Since her mournful return on Oct. 22, Daday has become a poignant figure and the talk of Negros.
Many found her story relatable: she grew up in an impoverished area and aspired to work abroad as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) after high school to provide a better life for her family.
Her tragic death deeply moved the Negrenses, who expressed their heartfelt condolences to her large family.
‘BAGONG BAYANI’
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. honored Daday as Cadiz’s “Bagong Bayani.”
In recognition of her sacrifice, the mayor named the city’s newly-built evacuation center within the Cadiz Viejo National School, where Daday completed her high school education, after her.
The Loreta V. Alacre Evacuation Center ( LVAEC) marker will be unveiled on Nov. 5. This date coincides with the province- wide celebration of Negros’ heroism and liberation from the Spaniards, known as Al Cinco de Noviembre.
It is also the day Daday will be laid to rest at the Caduha-an Public Cemetery in Cadiz City.
“Daday epitomized a devoted family member,” said the mayor. “She selflessly worked abroad for the sake of her family.”
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chef Arnel Ignacio, who visited Cadiz on Oct. 23, added, “She was truly selfless.”
‘GODSEND’
In the wake of Daday’s death, numerous parties stepped up to support her family. Among them was a significant cash donation from House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his wife, Tingog Party- list Representative Yedda Marie.
The OWWA, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and Negros Occidental’s 2nd District Rep. Thirdy Marañon also provided financial aid.
Ignacio mentioned that OWWA would complete the construction of the house Daday had begun and offer scholarships to some of Daday’s kin.
Furthermore, the Cadiz city government plans to offer employment and scholarships to Daday’s relatives.
On Oct. 26, the Consul and Administrator of Israel in the Philippines, Moti Cohen, brought additional support. He informed the Alacre family of an assistance package from the Israeli government that Daday qualified for.
UNSUNG HEROINE
Daday’s dedication to her family was evident. She remained unmarried and prioritized her family, even after the loss of their parents. For 19 years, she shouldered the family’s responsibilities without hesitation or regret.
Her story is unique and resonates deeply. Her untimely departure may have brought grief to her family, but perhaps there’s a silver lining as they receive unprecedented support.
In the words of Kuwait- based Filipino writer Lila “Lil” Marquez, “I sought his giggles beneath the ashes where all his dreams found home.”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Daday’s story. Ignacio aptly summarized, “Thank you, Cadiz, and the Alacre family for giving our country another hero in Daday.”
Kudos to the Cadiz City government and Mayor Escalante for commemorating Daday, ensuring that her legacy will forever inspire the people of Cadiz. Mayor Escalante poignantly stated, “With this evacuation center, Daday will forever be with us. This is our way of expressing our deep gratitude for the remarkable story she leaves behind.”
Rest in peace, Daday.
Her story is unique and resonates deeply. Her untimely departure may have brought grief to her family, but perhaps there’s a silver lining as they receive unprecedented support.