An Inspiration

It all started with the heart to help a Leukemia patient. As District 377 PP Nelia Cabigas looked back, she remembered Rochelle, the eight-year-old girl with Leukemia from Meycauayan who sought help from them in 1984. To help Rochelle in her chemotherapy, PP Nel sold keychains along with her staff. They marketed club-to-club in the Rotary until one heaven-sent suggested them to sell Rotary pins. Rochelle died after two years but the vocation continued to provide jobs to many.

For 35 years, Cabman Trading & Gen. Mse. has been the sole licensed trader of products with the Rotary logo in the country, authorized by the Rotary International. It is duly owned by the couple PP Nel and PP Ernie S. Cabigas.

PP Nel, the incoming District Secretary of 377 for RY 2019-20 has been blind for 29 years. She lost her eyesight during her delivery to her only child on April 14, 1990. That day, she was declared clinically dead. The word ‘miracle’ describes how she came back to life –only without the eyesight.

Despite the challenge, she managed to champion a zealous and fruitful life. Though she admitted that the loss of vision brought her many days of lowness, she grew herself strong for her family.  She realized that the strength should begin from her for her family not to get affected.

As acceptance began, she realized the value of her life even more.

“Meron akong paa na makakarating sa pupuntahan. Meron akong pandinig na makakarinig. Puwede kong gawin ang mga gusto kong gawin. Isa lang ang nawala. Marami pang itinira ang Panginoon. Yun ang mga gagamitin ko”, PP Nel.

PP Nel interacts with people without any mark of disability. She cracks jokes, laughs, tells stories with great sense of humor and enthusiasm. She also enjoys her social platforms accounts like FB, Messenger, Viber and more. The loss of eyesight never hinders her from doing things that demand vision like lay outing and more.

She believes that one is more blessed to have a second life or to be able to survive a near-death encounter. 

When she became the President of RC Meycauayan Jewels (the first female Rotary club of Meycauayan), she headed the group with strong competence. As a leader, she never approves the idea of ‘come what may’. She rather believes that everything should be done with the best ability.

PP Nel’s inspiring and dynamic character is never surprising. Her strong and impressive education as a consistent honor student from elementary to tertiary proved her outstanding qualities and leadership skills in her various endeavors.

PP Nel was awarded as “The Most Outstanding President of Innerwheel Club of Meycauayan East” through her leadership in 2004 – 2005. In addition, she became the Outstanding District Chairman of 377 in the Rotary Club through 100% attendance of the 19 clubs she supervised.

“Along with the challenges is our faith to our Creator. Remember to accept the pain and put faith above all ”, - PP Nel.