BY: MARSHAL ALEJO, GRACIELLE GAOAT, AND RON MARC MARANAN (BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY INTERNS)
A young athlete from Abra is earning praise for her selfless decision to use her sports winnings to help her family.
Grade 6 student Desiree Fae Palope, a swimmer since the age of two, has won multiple medals throughout her athletic career.
In the recent Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet 2025, she earned two silver and one bronze medal, along with 37,500 pesos in prize money. Instead of spending it on personal items, she bought a cow for her family.
“I want to help my parents, so my mother won’t have to work abroad anymore,” she said. Desiree’s mother, who works as a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia, was moved by her daughter’s gesture, saying that her sacrifice has inspired Desiree to persevere in both sports and life.
Her father, Desiderio Palope, also expressed pride, recognizing how his daughter has witnessed their family’s struggles and decided to give back.
Despite the challenges of balancing school and training, Desiree remains determined to pursue her dreams in swimming while continuing to support her family.
Her story serves as an inspiration, proving that hard work and selflessness can lead to success, both in sports and in life.
