I am Ms. Isabel Grace Punzalan-Villegas, a graduate of Lifeline Iloilo. In March 2023, I completed my training, and I was privileged to pass the Caregiver Assessment in April 2023.

At present, I am doing volunteer work as a tribal teacher across Asian countries, and at the same time, I am also practicing my caregiving profession locally here in Iloilo. I assist clients with pre- and post-operation care, especially those undergoing eye operations. I am also volunteering in mission work.

Caregiving has been a blessing to me. It is not just a livelihood, but a means for me to communicate and to be an extension of God’s hands to those who are bedridden, those who are sick, for the elite, and even for royal families. This is the reason why I trained myself for caregiving—because I wanted to attend to people who truly need my services as a caregiver. At the same time, I also want to reach out to the poorest of the poor, to patients who cannot afford special homes or hospital care.

The caregiving profession has given me a lot of knowledge and wisdom, and I am so thankful to Lifeline Iloilo for giving me the best education and training—not just to equip me to serve my fellow Filipinos, but also to serve in other countries where I have been assigned and entrusted with responsibilities.

As a caregiver, I always remind myself that I am a Filipino caregiver. I will always stand out among other professionals, especially in taking care of patients. I always remember what my nana told me: that when we grow up, all my siblings will have their own professions, but we should always add “minister” to whatever profession we choose. So I am a caregiver-minister—not just a teacher-minister, not just a missionary—but someone who puts compassion into action. Whatever profession we have, we should always have the heart to reach out to those in need of our help.

Thank you so much, Lifeline Iloilo, for giving such quality education. Why do I say quality? Because I was qualified to minister and provide caregiving services even to a royal family in Europe. I am so thankful, ma’am and sir, for giving me your best education and training. I will always and forever be grateful for this training.

My challenge to those who are taking the caregiving course is this: we are Filipinos, and wherever we are, we carry the mark of good workmanship as caregivers and professionals as we give our services all over the globe. You should be proud of yourselves. And for those who are planning to enroll in Lifeline Iloilo, you are truly blessed when you choose this school—this training school. Why? Because just like me, this is a testimony of a success story as a caregiver. My parents and my family have benefited from my training. I myself am a beneficiary of this training. This is my weapon and my tool to earn a living for my future.

Thank you very much, and God bless.