24/11/2025
Case manager passes Social Worker Licensure Exam at age 50
BUENAVISTA, Guimaras - "Age is never a hindrance to success; it is perseverance and faith that define the outcome," a quote that perfectly describe the life of Rachelda G. Hongo.
In a world where dreams are often deferred by life’s responsibilities, she stands as a living testament that it’s never too late to pursue your calling.
For over two decades, she has served in government with unwavering compassion, integrity, and dedication, touching lives, empowering communities, and offering hope to those who need it most. Her story is not just one of professional service but of personal resilience and inspiration.
At just 20, Rachelda earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in Iloilo, graduated in the year 1996. Soon after, she began her career as a casual employee at the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, where she served diligently for two years.
Her dedication continued as a Community Facilitator under the Kalahi-CIDSS program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development assigned in Lemery, Iloilo, working hand in hand with grassroots communities for three impactful years.
In 2011, Rachelda joined the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as a Municipal Link, where she spent 12 years serving in Jordan, Guimaras and later in February 2025, was transferred to Buenavista, of the same province.
For over a decade, she has walked alongside vulnerable families uplifting them, guiding them, and inspiring them to build better futures. While faithfully performing her duties, she held tightly to a personal dream: to become a licensed social worker, but the path wasn’t easy.
The demands of her job were high especially in meeting the deadlines, fieldwork, and constant community engagement. And yet, she pushed forward. She properly applies time management to help her set her goals; weekdays were for work and weekends for review. Even after facing the heartbreak of multiple exam failures, she refused to let go of her goal. Her story became one not just of service but of relentless perseverance. She juggled professional demands with personal ambition, without ever compromising the quality of either.
On September 16, 2025, Rachelda finally achieved what she had long worked and prayed for: she finally passed the Social Worker Licensure Examination at the age of 50. Officially a Registered Social Worker, her joy was indescribable, a hard-earned success that echoed far beyond her own heart.
With deep gratitude, she dedicates her achievement to God Almighty, who she believes walked with her every step of the way. She also thanks her loving husband, Father Henry D. Hongo, for his steadfast support, and her two daughters, Valerie Dale, a 2nd-year Nursing student, and Venice Kaye, a freshman in Performing Arts.
Now, with her official license in hand, Rachelda is more inspired than ever to serve. Her story is not just about earning a title; it’s about becoming a symbol of hope for others who are still chasing their dreams. She is a shining example of how one woman’s determination can ripple through communities and leave a legacy of transformation.
Just a simple reminder to those who are still on their journey of chasing their dreams, remember to always keep going. Just like Rachelda, your dream is worth it. (Submitted by: Buenavista MOO, Guimaras POO)
