February is Cancer Awareness Month, and in DSWD Field Office Caraga, a leader illuminates the profound meaning of awareness.

She is the Regional Director of DSWD Caraga, RD Flo as she is called, a woman whose strength resides not merely in her title, but deeply within her heart. Battling cancer—a fight intimately familiar to so many—she refuses to let it overshadow her unwavering dedication to the vulnerable.

This isn’t simply a story but a call to action. While we adorn ribbons and recite statistics, she lives the reality of cancer, day in and day out. Yet, she leads with grace, serves with tireless commitment, and inspires with every breath.

Imagine facing your health crisis while shouldering the burdens of an entire region. That is her reality. Every program she oversees, every life she touches, stands as a testament to her steadfast spirit.

Her message is both simple and profound: “Rest is not weakness.” These words, not gleaned from a textbook, but forged in the crucible of her illness, speak to the vulnerability of life, the crucial importance of self-care, and the enduring power of human connection.

Her spirit, a resilient flame that flickers but never dies, whispers to us on a gentle breeze: prioritize your health.

Let her courage be the gentle nudge you need to schedule that appointment, to get that check-up. Early detection isn’t a mere statistic; it’s a lifeline, a chance to paint a brighter future.

As February ends, let us continue to honor every cancer patient’s fight, amplifying their voices. Let us remember that cancer awareness transcends mere knowledge; it embodies courage, resilience, and unwavering compassion.

RD Flo’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of cancer, we can rise, serve, and shine. Let her strength fuel our own, and her courage inspire us to support those battling this disease, not just in February, but every single day.