#BabaeKasi lumalaban: When rape does not define the woman

The abuse started when Mildred Fragante was 10 years old, at the hands of her own father.

"Tatawagin niya ako, kunyari papagalitan niya ako, and then do'n mangyayari 'yong abuse," Mildred, or Ate Milds as her close friends call her, shared. She would go on to become an executive producer for GMA News TV, because life goes on. It doesn't and shouldn't stop for anyone.

Ate Milds endured years of abuse and silence, trapped in the clutches of shame and the certainty that the truth would change everything forever.

"Kapag nagsumbong ako, anong mangyayari? Ayaw kong tumigil sa pag-aaral. Inisip kong maglayas...pero saan ako pupunta, paano ko bubuhayin 'yong sarili ko?" she said, "Inisip kong magpakamatay pero sabi ko...masakit siya."

She clung to her faith and declared "Lord, if you will use my past for me to be able to help others, just help me go through everything."

She refused to let her life be consumed by the horror and tragedy. In school, Ate Milds excelled. She was a good student with a slew of extra-curricular activities on the side. But she couldn't let the abuse continue.

Ate Milds confided the secret to her sister and the two of them decided that the next time he attempts anything would be the last.

"True enough after a week, something happened, nagka-confrontation na sa bahay, nagkagulo na, and as in hinampas ng kuya ko ‘yong tatay ko ng crutches, duguan, may gano'ng eksena."

Her mother almost suffered a breakdown so instead of going to the hospital, Ate Milds went to a lawyer, who explained the consequences of filing a rape case.

The lawyer asked her twice if she wanted to pursue the case against her father. On both occasions, she said, "Opo."

Ate Milds today

She filed 10 cases against her father: one count of rape and nine counts of acts of lasciviousness. He was found guilty on all of them. "One death sentence and the other life sentences. So, grabe ang iyak ko no’ng sinabi ‘yon ng judge na guilty. I mean ang laki no’ng relief no’ng sinabi no’ng judge na guilty and natapos 'yong case," Ate Milds said.

To the end, her father never admitted to any of the abuse.

Some have asked why she didn't just forgive her father but Ate Milds explains she already had. "Iba ‘yung pagpapatawad e, pero kailangan pa rin mag-suffer sa consequences."

Ate Milds had to let go of the anger, and she used her experience to help others. She joined GMA News TV's "Women's Desk", where they rescued abused women and girls. "Malaking tulong sa akin na nakaka-relate ako do'n sa victim, and masaya ako na nakakatulong ako doon sa victims like me... kasi kailangan e, kailangan malaman ng mga tao na nangyayari ito at may puwede silang gawin about it."

Ate Milds working on the now-defunct "Women's Desk"

In addition to this, Ate Milds through her membership in the Rotary Club of Metro Aurora continues to participate in outreach programs that empower women by educating them and equipping them with technical skills.

Ate Milds' story was also featured in "The Crime Circle", to help other victims find their own courage.

For Ate Milds, the choice was clear. Yes, she was a victim. But she's not just a victim.

Umahon at lumaban. Hindi siya sumuko. #BabaeKasi. — Aya Tantiangco, LA/GMA News