After stepmom’s death, 11-year-old becomes ‘little mother’ to her siblings

Rhea is an 11-year-old girl with a huge responsibility. She could be out playing with her friends, but instead she stays home taking care of her brothers, four-year-old Isaac and baby Isaiah.

According to Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho's report on the family, Rhea's stepmother Mary Rose died a few days before Christmas. Since then, Rhea has taken up the role of a "little mother" to her siblings.

Rhea lives in Bislig City with her father and grandmother. She wakes up every day at 6 a.m. to prepare powdered milk for Isaiah, then prepares breakfast for the rest of her family.

After rocking Isaiah to sleep, Rhea does the laundry and finishes other household chores.

It is no easy feat. But Rhea told the KMJS team that she is very happy to take care of her brothers.

"Naawa nga ako sa kanya," said her grandmother Lola Nina. "Gusto ko na makapagtapos siya sa pag-aaral dahil nangarap rin siya na makapag-aral siya ng college." [I feel sorry for her that she has to juggle all these responsibilities. I want her to finish her studies.] 

Asked about what she wants to be when she grows up, Rhea replied that she aspires to become a flight attendant. She also told KMJS that she wants to finish her studies so she can support her grandmother and siblings.

Rhea's biological mother, Algie, left her at an early age. In an interview with KMJS, Algie says she regrets her actions and is asking for her daughter's forgiveness. — Angelica Y. Yang/BM, GMA News