Five-year-old and 12-year-old siblings take care of father who can't walk

While most families have a hands-on mother who takes care of her husband and children, there are those who are changing the norms regarding household roles and chores. Such is the case for the family of Jepoy and Judilyn.

Aside from being a good provider, Jepoy was a hands-on father to his two sons, Jeoff, 12, and Gab-Gab, 5.

"Hands-on daddy po siya sa dalawa naming anak," Judliyn, Jepoy's wife, told "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho."

"Kahit po 'pag galing siya ng trabaho, siya na po ang mag-aasikaso po sa mga bata," she added.

("Jepoy is very hands-on. Even after he comes home from work, he makes sure to take care of the kids.")

According to Gab-Gab, the couple's youngest son, he and Jepoy used to bond a lot by going out and playing together.

"Binibili po ako ni daddy ng laruan," Gab-Gab said. "Nakakapaggala kami diyan sa labas."

("We'd usually go out as a family and Daddy would buy me toys.")

As much as being a hands-on father gives Jepoy so much joy, it's a role that he had to let go of after getting into an electrical accident in 2021 while at work as a lineman for an electric company.

After the accident, Jepoy had second-degree burns on his arms and on his face.

"January 1, 'yung iba nagse-celebrate ng New Year. Kami po nasa ospital, iyak po ako nang iyak. Wala po akong ginawa kundi magdasal, sana po maging maayos po yung kalagayan niya," Judilyn shared.

("While everyone was celebrating, we were at the hospital. We could only pray.")

Jepoy had to stay in the hospital for three months and at a home care facility for four months.

According to Judilyn, their hospital bill shot up to 3.3 million pesos. Thankfully, Jepoy's employer shouldered the hospital bills, as well as costs for his medicines.

However, Jepoy's contract with the company ended last May.

"Ini-stop na po nila 'yung support po sa asawa ko. Hindi na po siya employed."

("They stopped paying for my husband's bill since he was no longer employed.")

This incident also forced Judilyn to help find ways to provide for their family.

"Nu'ng hindi pa po siya naaaksidente sa bahay lang po talaga ako. Ngayon po ako na po 'yung magiging provider po sa amin," Judilyn said.

("I used to be a stay-at-home mom. Now, I've become the provider of the family.")

Because of this new home dynamics, siblings Gab-Gab and Jeoff had to look after their father, who is still recovering at home.

It's Gab-Gab who's more hands-on in caring for Jepoy, which is something he initiated in the beginning.

"Nung araw na 'yun, pumunta po kami sa palengke, iniwan po namin si Gab-Gab saka 'yung daddy niya na tulog," Judilyn said.

"Nagulat kami na sinalubong niya kami sa gate nang nakangiti. Sabi niya 'Mommy! Nabili ko na ng pandesal si daddy. Napakain ko na po siya ng almusal'," she added.

("That day, we went to the market. Gab-Gab was left with his dad. When we got home, we were surprised to find that Gab-Gab had already fed Jepoy.")

It definitely was a change of roles at home, but Judilyn couldn't help but be proud and confident about their sons' care and love for their father.

"Love na love ko po si daddy," five-year-old Gab-Gab said. "Sana gumaling na po si daddy, para maihatid na po ako sa school."

("I love Daddy so much. I hope that he recovers soon.")

Even after everything that happened, Judilyn, Jeoff, and Gab-Gab choose to stay by Jepoy's side.

"Hindi po pumasok sa isip ko na iwanan siya, e, kasi iniisip ko po paano pagka iniwanan ko siya. Sino ang mag-aalaga sa kanya? Kami na po 'yung magiging lakas niya, kami po ng mga bata, sa panahong mahina pa po siya," Judilyn said.

("Leaving him isn't an option for me. Who would care for him if I left? We should remain strong for him, especially at a time like this.")

"Hindi ko po naisip na sukuan si Daddy kasi po gusto ko na po talaga siyang gumaling para hindi na po siya maghirap po nang ganyan," shared Jeoff.

("I will continue taking care of my dad so he can recover soon.")

After all the financial, physical, and emotional struggles that their family had to go through after Jepoy's unfortunate accident, they still hope for the best.

"Araw-araw ka naming mamahalin, aalagaan ka namin at pagsisilbihan," Judilyn said. "Salamat sa lahat ng pagsakripisyo mo. I love you Daddy, mahal na mahal ka namin ng mga bata."

("We'll love you everyday. Thank you for all that you did for us.")

Meanwhile, Jeoff and Gab-Gab also gave their dad a card on Father's Day.

"Pagbubutihan ko po ang aking pag-aaral hanggang ako po ay makapagtapos. Mahal na mahal ka namin Daddy. Ikaw ang the best na daddy. Happy Father's Day, I love you," Jeoff said.

("I will work hard to finish my studies. We love you so much. You're the best! Happy Father's Day, I love you!")

"Daddy, may drawing ako nating dalawa. Gumaling ka na po Daddy para makapaglaro po tayo. I love you daddy. Happy Father's Day daddy," Gab-Gab added.

("I made a drawing for us, Daddy. I hope you'll get better soon so we can play together again. I love you, Daddy. Happy Father's Day!")

On Father's Day, KMJS also surprised Jepoy with a simple feast along with financial support for his recovery. The Philippine Physical Therapy Association also provided him with free occupational and speech therapy sessions. —JCB, GMA Integrated News