MODEL FAMILY OF THE YEAR

THE family of a sixty-seven year old widow and eleven children made it this year as Dagupan City’s “Uliran a Pamilya” (Model Family).

Corazon Tagulinao who was widowed at age 47 by her husband Arturo Tagulinao Sr. in 1994 due to Aneurysm, raised eleven children on her own to become distinguished professionals in their respective fields today.

Her youngest was only six years old when her husband died.

She tearfully recalled how she and her children had to cope with financial problems as she struggled to have them earn their college degrees .

“There were times when the only money I could give them was just enough for their fare going to and from school,” she said.

The family earned its livelihood through the printing press that started operation 30 years ago and continues to operate to this day.

Mrs. Tagulinao admitted she had to borrow money from lending institutions, sign promissory notes for the tuition fees of her children to get them through high school and college.

“But the one thing that makes me really glad and thankful is the fact that my children never gave me any problems, they have no vices, bad peers and they were truly committed to finish their studies,” she said.

The Tagulinao family is joined by Mayor Fernandez at the City Plaza.

The eleven Tagulinao children are now professionals, namely: Jennifer although a nurse by profession, chose to manage the family’s business; Manuel is now a physical therapist while Mac Arthur is a lawyer); Mac Millan, nurse; Myra, teacher; Arturo Jr., engineer; Marcelino earned degrees in nursing, accountancy and electrical engineer, Michael, studying law; Marites, nurse; Mary Baby, dentist; and Isidro, accountant.

Mrs. Tagulinao also has six grandchildren.

“I advise widows or single parents like me to just strive hard and persevere especially for the future of your children because you will surely reap a better harvest later”, she said.

Irene Ferrer, chairperson for the annual ‘Search for Model Family’ in the city said the project aims to recognize extraordinary families who are models of strength and inspiration.

The search began last October and the nominees were judged by the Rotary Club of Central Pangasinan and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). The Taguliano was chosen over 17 other nominees.

‘Uliran a Pamilya’ was institutionalized by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) through a resolution authored by Coun. Maybelyn Fernandez last 2011. (Hilda Austria/PNA)

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