Loren honors yaya in Ilocos town visit

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte -- Sen. Loren Legarda paid tribute to her life-long "yaya" or nanny during a sentimental visit to this town Jan. 25.

Visiting this town noted for its ancient Catholic traditions and distinctive culture, Loren said that her "yaya", Felicidad Bagayas, whom she called "Nanay Fely," was responsible, along with her mother Bessie, for a strict, disciplined upbringing that gave her the inspiration to devote her life to public service.

"We all owe our blessings to particular individuals whose care and dedication have shaped our lives. To me, one of these individuals is my life-long yaya who took care of me since my birth, and who taught me by example the virtues of love, loyalty, and family devotion that is the bedrock of the Filipino character," Loren said.

Loren spoke before a group of civic leaders, teachers, students and town leaders in the Paoay Civic Center after attending mass at the imposing, centuries-old Paoay Catholic church.

She was on her way to Vigan City to participate in the city fiesta and to talk with women leaders on communal and educational projects.

Loren, who will turn 50 this year, said Nanay Fely took good care of her since her birth in 1960, accompanying her to her kindergarten school up to college at the Assumption in Manila, preparing her clothes and packing her school paraphernalia, and now she also takes care of her two boys.

"I can never express fully my appreciation and gratitude to Nanay Fely, who has been a second mother to me," Loren said. "To me, she personifies the strong character values that mark the Ilocano woman, and our women in general, who sacrifice their lives to bring up a family we can be proud of and that contribute not only to family success but also to the general welfare and development of the nation."