In homes across the Philippines, there are women quietly carrying the weight of two roles—provider and nurturer. Single mothers, though often overlooked, embody resilience, sacrifice, and unyielding strength in the face of social and economic challenges.
Whether through separation, widowhood, or choosing to raise a child alone, single mothers make up a significant and growing portion of Filipino households. According to recent surveys, nearly 14 million households are headed by women, many of whom are doing so without a partner. These mothers rise early to prepare meals, send their children to school, work long hours, and still find time to offer words of comfort and guidance by the end of the day.
“My kids are my reason to keep going,” shares Jenny, a 38-year-old sari-sari store owner and mother of three from Quezon City. “It’s not easy, but every sacrifice is worth it when I see them grow up healthy and strong.”
Many single mothers face financial strain, often juggling multiple jobs or finding creative ways to earn from home—be it selling goods online, doing laundry for neighbors, or offering tutoring sessions. Others work overseas as domestic helpers, enduring long months away from their children just to send money back home.
Despite the difficulties, these women often remain unnoticed by social programs and underrepresented in conversations about parenthood. “Society still assumes there’s a man in the picture,” says Marivic, a nurse and single parent in Cebu. “But we’re here, doing everything quietly. All we want is acknowledgment and a little support.”
The strength of single mothers lies not just in their ability to endure but in the love they pour into their families daily. They teach their children courage, responsibility, and perseverance—lessons learned not from words, but from watching their mother work tirelessly every day.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this May, may we also honor those who carry the load alone. Behind their quiet strength are stories of unwavering love, grit, and hope—qualities that make them heroes in their own right.
