Yolanda Escuadra Abiño
GAWAD PARANGAL NG BAYANING PILIPINO
A LIFE OF SACRIFICE, STRENGTH AND EMPOWERMENT
From humble beginnings to a brighter tomorrow
Yolanda Escuadra Abiño is a Filipina mother, caregiver, entrepreneur, and community builder whose life story is defined by perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to her family.
A BRIGHT BEGINNING
From her early years, Yolanda already demonstrated determination and excellence. She graduated as an Elementary Grade Salutatorian and became a top student in high school. At only 17 years old, she became a breadwinner, learning early in life what it meant to carry responsibility for her family.
In 1986, she began working as a sewer at Unidex Garments, where she became recognized as one of the top workers. At 19, she married, and at 20, she welcomed her eldest son. She eventually became a mother of four children by the age of 25.
Her dedication to work continued from 1989 to 1996 at Algo Apparel, where she consistently earned recognition as a top worker during weekly evaluations. She later worked as a sewer at China United Garments in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, before returning to the Philippines in 2000.
A DAUGHTER'S SACRIFICE
Life brought another major responsibility when her mother became seriously ill and was bedridden for almost two years. Yolanda once again placed family before herself.
Determined to continue providing for her children and supporting her family, she decided to work abroad once more. This time, she prepared herself for a career in caregiving by completing a short course and obtaining a certificate in caregiving.
18 YEARS OF SERVICE IN ISRAEL
Yolanda spent approximately 18 years working in Israel as a caregiver.
She experienced the emotional challenges of caring for employers who eventually passed away because of illness. Her work demanded patience, compassion, and emotional strength.
Later, she cared for a special-needs child whose parents had limited time to attend to him. Yolanda became more than a caregiver. She served as a guardian, companion, and mother figure taking care of his daily needs, clothing, household responsibilities, and overall welfare.
The work was difficult, but she endured because of her four children. While she was working thousands of kilometers away from home, her children were pursuing their college education.
Every sacrifice had a purpose: to give her children a better future.
A SINGLE MOTHER WITH A BIGGER MISSION
Yolanda's journey became even more challenging when she became a single mother after the father of her children left the family.
Although her income as a caregiver was equivalent to approximately ₱100,000 in Philippine currency, she found that it was still not enough to meet all of her family's needs and responsibilities.
Instead of surrendering to hardship, Yolanda searched for another opportunity.
She became involved in an international marketing group, creating an additional source of income while continuing her work abroad. Through this opportunity, she gradually began building a stronger financial foundation for her family.
She also spent time educating fellow Filipinos in Israel about the importance of proper saving, financial discipline, and creating additional sources of livelihood.
RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
Yolanda's dedication and achievements were recognized through various awards and milestones, including:
2018
• Investors Night Award – Marketing Director, Israel
2019
• World Hero Award – Nights of Champions, SMX MOA
• Team Builder Award – Builders Night, Israel
• Senior Marketing Director – Top 2, Builders Night, Israel
2022
• SMD Base – Top 1, Bethlehem, Israel
• Certificate of Appreciation – Top 2 Investor, Bethlehem, Israel
• Plaque of Recognition – Senior Marketing Director, SMX MOA
• Community Builder Award – SMX MOA
2023
• SMD Super Base – Top 1, Bethlehem, Israel
• Community Builder Award – SMX MOA
• Dubai Free Trip and Accommodation for One Year through an achievement and qualifying GX program
She also made it a tradition to return to the Philippines for vacation and attend annual conventions and major gatherings, including conventions held at SMX.
A NEW CHAPTER
In January 2024, circumstances in Israel changed dramatically because of the war. Yolanda went to the Philippine Embassy in Israel for repatriation, eventually making the difficult decision to return home.
Her years abroad, however, had already helped establish new opportunities for her family in the Philippines. While she was working overseas, her children helped manage the traditional businesses she had built.
Her return marked not an ending, but the beginning of another chapter.
FROM OVERSEAS WORKER TO ENTREPRENEUR
Today, Yolanda continues to build her life in the Philippines. She is involved in managing a water station business while continuing her online international business activities.
Her children remain part of the journey, helping manage the businesses and opportunities that grew from years of sacrifice.
From a young breadwinner to a garment worker, from a mother and daughter fulfilling family responsibilities to an overseas caregiver, and from an OFW to an entrepreneur and community builder, Yolanda has continually adapted to life's challenges.
A LEGACY OF INSPIRATION
Yolanda Escuadra Abiño's story is not simply about working abroad or receiving awards. It is a story about a mother who chose perseverance when life became difficult.
She worked with her hands as a garment sewer. She traveled abroad to provide for her children. She cared for others while carrying the responsibilities of her own family. She endured the challenges of being a single mother. She learned new ways to create income and shared what she learned with fellow Filipinos.
When war forced her to leave Israel, she came home with something more valuable than material possessions—the experience, courage, relationships, and determination that she had developed throughout her journey.
Today, she continues to move forward, building businesses and creating opportunities for her family.
A TRUE FILIPINA
RESILIENT. DETERMINED. EMPOWERED.
Yolanda Escuadra Abiño represents the strength of a Filipina who continues to rise despite life's challenges. Her journey reminds us that success is not measured only by titles or awards, but also by the sacrifices made for family, the lives touched through service, and the courage to begin again.
Her story is a testament to one powerful truth:
“A stronger Filipina today, for a brighter tomorrow.”
