DEIB Thermal Group

Transcending Boundaries: The Transformative Power of a Mother's Love

May 17, 2024

Mothers face boundaries and challenges on a daily basis, having to sacrifice their emotional, physical, and even spiritual comfort. Even then, a mother’s love has a close to supernatural ability to push past limits and create profound positive change, even in the most difficult situations.

An unwavering, boundless force, motherly love knows no restrictions. It can overcome the deepest heartbreak, thrive in the most trying circumstances, and inspire transformation.

How does this mighty, nurturing gift continue to defy limits and change lives in profound, extraordinary ways?

This Mother’s Day, join us as we delve into the lives of three extraordinary mothers from AboitizPower’s Therma Business group, offering a glimpse into the boundless capacity of a mother's love.

Selfless Service Amidst Heartbreak

There exists an unbreakable bond between mother and child. While society has termed a woman who has lost her spouse as a “widow,” and a child without parents an “orphan,” there’s a void that words fail to describe when a mother experiences the loss of a child.

“When I lost my baby girl during the pandemic, it was one of the darkest moments of my life. The grief was overwhelming, and for a time, it felt like the weight of that loss would never become bearable,” said Mylyn Nillama, Reputation and Stakeholder Management Specialist at Therma Marine, Inc.

“My life underwent a significant transformation. It became clear to me that motherhood extends beyond biological ties and that displaying maternal love doesn't require being a mother,” she added.

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in 2020, communities worldwide rallied together to combat the health crisis, offering support through medical aid and food assistance. In Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, doctors, healthcare workers, and uniformed personnel joined forces to contain the outbreak as they relied on both public and private assistance.

Mylyn spearheaded these community efforts on behalf of the company, leveraging AboitizPower's commitment to help the communities where it operates. She played a pivotal role in coordinating aid and resources to support frontline workers and vulnerable sectors in Nasipit.

“Even in my deepest sorrow, I found motivation to help others facing difficult circumstances,” she said. “Serving communities in need became a beacon of hope– a way to channel my pain into something positive.”

“With each family I get to see safe, healthy, and cared for, a little more light shines through the darkness. While the ache of my loss will always be there, knowing that I'm making a difference brings me solace and healing. It's a reminder that even in our most trying times, we can find strength in uplifting others. And in those moments of service, the weight I carry becomes a little more bearable,” she added.

Mylyn’s spirit continues to inspire all those who bear witness to her miraculous and boundless love. She remains steadfast, gaining strength and encouragement to overcome boundaries and move forward with the help of her two older children.

In 2024, she was awarded as one of Nasipit’s Outstanding Juana for her selfless dedication and invaluable contribution to the welfare of the local community.

While Mylyn's strength stemmed from honoring her child's memory, for another remarkable woman, motherly love fueled an unwavering determination to provide for her family. As a single mother, Arline De Gracia's journey revolved around the struggles of juggling career and parental responsibilities, revealing how a mother's devotion can defy the boundaries of life's demands.

The Juggling Act of a Single Working Mom

Arline De Gracia epitomizes the remarkable strength and resilience inherent in single mothers. Balancing her time between professional ambitions and parental duties, Arline is not only an engineer and team leader in Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) but also a devoted mother to her teenage daughter.

"Being a mother is already a challenge but being a mother plus having a career is an even more challenging feat. As much as I want to focus on my job because this is the source of my income, I also need to have quality time with her,” said Arline.

Arline, like many powerful single mothers, approaches each day with determination and positivity, seamlessly weaving together the demands of her professional life with the joys of nurturing her daughter. Time management becomes a cornerstone of her routine, ensuring that every moment spent with her daughter is infused with love and guidance. Arline continuously builds on to her hopes of shaping her daughter into a resilient and compassionate individual.

Despite challenges along the way, Arline remains supported by a company that understands and values the intricacies of her dual role. TVI places great importance in fostering an environment that empowers employees not only as leaders within their respective fields but also as parents and caregivers. Arline's journey serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to supporting and uplifting every member of the team, enabling them to thrive in their personal and professional lives.

“Growing up in a financially challenged family, I vowed to provide my child with the opportunities I never had. When my daughter came along, my entire perspective shifted. As a single parent, I became fiercely driven to not only meet her material needs, but to instill in her the profound values, love, and life lessons that truly matter.” She added, ”Every sacrifice is worth it when I see my daughter inching closer to fulfilling her aspirations in life”.

Arline's unwavering determination to provide for her family stems from her humble beginnings and a firm desire to offer her daughter a brighter future.

Inspirational and Nurturing Leader

In the fast-paced corporate world, AboitizPower's Thermal Business Group Chief Procurement Officer Rhoda Cruz redefines leadership with her innate nurturing abilities. A mother herself, Rhoda brings a maternal essence that inspires a new generation of professionals to pursue excellence with empathy and authenticity.

"Embracing the challenges of leadership, both at work and at home, has been a transformative journey," Rhoda shared. "I've learned that true leadership isn't just about making decisions; it's about creating a nurturing environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to grow."

Rhoda's dedication extends beyond the office, playing a melodious rhythm between professional demands and personal commitments. Supported by her husband, Rhoda makes sure she is present during the pivotal moments of her children’s lives.

Rhoda emphasizes the importance of authenticity and individuality in parenting. Rejecting comparisons, she champions the belief that each family and child is unique; every child is always more than enough. Rather than a perfect balance, Rhoda embraces the fluidity of a rhythm, where priorities shift seamlessly between work and family, guided by the pursuit of happiness and safety for her children.

"I pray every day that my children are happy and safe in whatever they pursue," she says. "Motherhood has taught me the importance of compassion and understanding," concludes Rhoda. "It's about leading with empathy, both at home and in the workplace, to create a positive impact that transcends boundaries."

Driven by a greater purpose of nation-building, Rhoda's transformative leadership is fueled by her nurturing spirit as a mother. When she sees potential in her team, she empowers their growth through coaching and cultivating an environment of mutual support.

The stories of Mylyn, Arline, and Rhoda exemplify the inspiring and transformative power of a mother's love that transcends all boundaries. In the face of heartbreaks, societal pressures, and endless responsibilities, their boundless warmth defies limits, overcomes adversities, and inspires profound positive change. Through selfless service, sacrificial devotion, and visionary leadership, these remarkable mothers reshape narratives and empower future generations with resilience and empathy.

AboitizPower’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowering women in all their roles– as mothers, leaders, team members, and community members– allows this transformative power to flourish. By fostering an environment that supports and uplifts women, the company creates a more innovative, engaged, and impactful workplace. Stories like these demonstrate the company's dedication to advancing both business excellence and community well-being. As mothers continue breaking boundaries with boundless love, the ripple effects reshape society into a more resilient, empathetic, and nurturing place for all. Together, we are truly driving a better world for the next generation.