Resilience, Motherhood & Leadership: Kapitan Nirene on MY 94-5

It was a Saturday morning filled with profound stories of strength, perseverance, and community. On June 1, 2024, at exactly 9:00 AM, Ms. Ninfa Barcena Quirante turned on the microphone for the 42nd episode of MY 94-5!

Gracing the KJM 94.3 FM booth was Hon. Ma. Nirene Estrobo-Ramos, widely known as the dedicated Chairperson (Kapitan) of Barangay G (Poblacion), Borongan City. But before stepping into the demanding realm of public service, Kapitan Nirene walked a diverse and challenging path.

Raised a proud Boronganon by her parents, Mr. Rene Balondo Estrobo and Nida Espina Alagabia, she built a robust professional career. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Business Management from ESSU, alongside a Professional Teacher's Certificate (PTC) in Secondary Education Major in Social Science. Her resume spans a decade of service at Bayan Telecommunications (BayanTel), two years at Globe Telecommunications, and impactful work as a Massage Therapy Trainor at the TESDA Arteche National Agricultural School (ANAS).

"The challenges of raising three boys alone and battling through the darkest days were the very things that prepared me to lead and serve my community with a stronger heart."

The Journey Through the Storm

During the broadcast, Ms. Ninfa gently guided the conversation beyond professional accolades, allowing Kapitan Nirene to open up about her life's deepest trials. Listeners were moved as she recalled how her talent as a varsity tennis player became her hard-earned ticket to finishing college.

She bravely shared her raw struggles as a single mother to her three boys. She detailed the heavy emotional toll of a failing marriage—trying her absolute hardest to make the relationship work before ultimately facing estrangement and battling depression. She recounted the grueling days of figuring out how to raise and support her young sons alone, sometimes even facing food shortages.

Yet, despite the immense weight of her past and the current demands of being a local government leader, her story is a masterclass in resilience. She emphasized the undeniable power of community, expressing deep, heartfelt gratitude for her loyal group of friends who never left her side and served as her greatest support system through the darkest storms.