Firefighter-mom leads team in saving lives, dotes on kids at home

Team leader Senior Fire Officer 1 Aldin Gualberto spends her day leading four other firefighters at the Quezon City Fire Station in Fairview, but at home, she's a sweet mom.

Gualberto is a mother of three and her kids say that despite her tough job, she comes home and still cooks for them. She also showers them with kisses and hugs before bedtime.

"'Pag-uwi mo galing sa trabaho, makikita mo 'yong mga anak mo na kumpleto at happy sila, malusog — kahit hindi kayo magkasama n'ong maghapon, nakakawala ng pagod," Gualberto shared in an interview for GMA News' Balitanghali.

Gualberto has been a firefighter since 2007 and will be celebrating her 10th year in service by December. Her teammates look up to her as a senior officer and expressed their admiration for her dedication to the job.

Still, Gualberto said that being a woman in a profession dominated by men has its challenges.

"Pagdating po sa workplace, kailangang mag-doble effort ka na [pa]tunayan na kaya mo... na kung ano 'yong ginagawa nila ay kaya mo [rin]," she explained.

Gualberto said that she has always been interested in being a firefighter and she takes pride in a job that allows her to save people's lives.

However, as a mother, she dreads that thought of one day responding to call and finding out that her own children are in danger.

"Ayokong mangyari 'yon, kasi...trabaho ko tagaligtas, tapos 'yong family ko hindi ko maligtas. Mahirap sa pakiramdam ng isang ina na ginagawa mo 'yong trabaho mo para sa bayan, tapos 'yong sarili mong pamiliya, hindi mo magawang maligtas," she said. —NB, GMA News