MANILA, Philippines – Every Filipino dreams of providing a secure future for his family — maybe it’s because of the Asian character of being “clannish” and upholding the value of responsibility and devotion to family ties. One of the most vital factors highlighting this familial attachment is the drive and passion of every Filipino parent to send his children to school, believing that knowledge is the key to achieving success and attaining stability in life. It serves as nourishment for both the mind and body, one that can dramatically change the fortune of a true disciple of life.
The story of Concepcion A. Orencia is a classic example of how far one can prosper in life. From the ravages of war to her struggles in America, then back to the comforts of her native land, Concepcion credits her success and all that she has become to the hard work and passion of her parents who wanted only the best for their children.
‘Don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat’
Life was good for Concepcion, until the outbreak of the Second World War. Family life was suddenly thrown in disarray, especially when Japanese soldiers killed her father, who was also a mayor of their town during the Japanese occupation. Her mother, a bookkeeper, was left to tend for a daughter and five sons.
At the end of the war, money was scarce. Still, the values of hard work and honesty were never compromised. Amid adversity, these principles were reinforced. “From then on, we learned to work hard. Our mother constantly reminded us of three things: don’t steal, don’t lie, and don’t cheat. I also taught the same to my kids,” shared Concepcion.
However, her mother grew very sickly. So, being the eldest, she became the guardian of her siblings. But events were bound to turn for the better, and it all started with a very surprising discovery: a life insurance plan.
Changing tides of fortune
Concepcion’s father believed in the benefits of preparing early for the future and this he did by buying a Sun Life Insurance plan during the war years to protect his loved ones, in case of accident or death. It was fortunate that Sun Life tracked down its policyholders after the war and settled claims: the proceeds of her late father’s insurance plan made Concepcion realize how the changing tides of fortune had worked in her favor.
With the funds the family received from the insurance plan, Concepcion was able to work her way through school while tending to her mother and brothers. It was not easy being left behind by a breadwinner but Concepcion and her siblings hurdled all obstacles and moved on with enough money to support their education over the years.
It was also in college that she met her husband, Dr. Antonio Orencia. After graduating with a degree in pharmacy, the couple started their own family.
Since Dr. Orencia was finishing his residency in the United States, she and her four kids followed. Another struggle began, this time on how to raise a family while living in a foreign land. Add to this the problem of not being able to find any job, since Concepcion was considered overqualified.
Practical matters
She knew that she had to take matters into her own hands. After all, she was brought up to believe that nothing is impossible with hard work and honesty. She decided to use education to her advantage, opting to work toward two more degrees to prepare her for a teaching profession and to become a medical technician.
For the Orencia family, everything was about practicality. She and her children stayed in the US for a more promising future. On the other hand, her husband was busy working at the Bethany Hospital in San Fernando, La Union, where he has worked for over 50 years. “My husband has been connected with the Bethany Hospital since 1954 and was appointed CEO from 1966 up to the present,” Concepcion recalls.
She only went back to the Philippines in 1992, revoking her American citizenship, which she only used for its benefits and entitlement.
“I always stressed the importance of education to my children and achieving this dream was not difficult with the help of savings vehicles like life insurance, exactly what my late father believed in when we were growing up. The proceeds that I got from my late father’s Sun Life insurance plan then helped us significantly to ease the pain and struggle for a better life,” she stressed. In fact, she mandated her children to also plan ahead for their future, to finish their degrees before starting their own families, and to leave a legacy that their children will always remember them by.
She also noted that she has never wavered in her trust and confidence in Sun Life which has always been there for her needs, from her struggling years up to the time she attained a successful career for herself and even as she presently enjoys a good life with her husband and their family. “The company has been very supportive in enabling me to achieve my dreams. I can only say that Sun Life has a big heart to provide care and compassion for the Filipinos who want only the best in life.”
Enjoying the good life
Seeing the Orencia couple at their beachfront property in La Union, there is no question that they are enjoying the good life. Bethany Hospital considers the couple as strong foundations, making a huge impact on their whole community as generous and charitable partners.
Indeed, she has come a long way: three college degrees, four accomplished children, and a loving husband by her side. “Lead a good and meaningful life,” Concepcion concluded. “Treat others fairly. And always remember that hard work can get you to places you never imagined possible.”