Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno (center), Director of the Communication Foundation for Asia (CFA), President of SIGNIS Philippines, and board member of the Philippine Association for Media Literacy, joins a student-led program of La Consolacion University Philippines aired on Radyo Veritas 846 kHz. (Photo: James Azan)
An advocate and a mother define motherhood as a priceless and irreplaceable moment for a woman, saying that being a mother has no definite framework; it is a long process that defines how you influence your children as a mother.
Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno, a director, leader, and Catholic values advocate, underlined that the major role of parents is to raise children to be responsible individuals and make meaningful contributions to society.
Fenomeno highlighted that the role of parents is to educate the children on what to prioritize in life, starting from the beginning up until the adulting stage, as well as their goals and interests.
“There is no definite framework of being a mother; it is only based on the style of approach and how a mother perceives her role, based on distinctive experiences and capabilities,” said Fenomeno.
Fenomeno emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s development, noting that doing so benefits families and broader societal concerns, as children grow and thrive within the same shared environment. “Teach them to become responsible individuals who can make meaningful contributions to society,” she advised.
Fenomeno stated that a shared advocacy and passion for creating an ideal community often stems from parents’ deep concern for ensuring a safer life for their children. She believes that despite various stressors, including careers and extracurricular commitments, these aspects do not hinder parental responsibilities—instead, they complement one another and contribute to a sense of fulfillment.
She further explained that, in its most basic form, motherhood involves carrying a child in the womb for approximately nine to ten months before giving birth. She emphasized that this experience is unique and irreplaceable, requiring immense sacrifice and posing risks to a mother’s health in the pursuit of bringing new life into the world.
“Another definition of motherhood is how you will become a mother to a child from the day of giving birth until adolescence and the rest of their life,” she added.
Fenomeno shared that motherhood cannot be confined to a single definition—it is a continuous journey that shapes how one becomes a mother to her child. She described two distinct expressions of motherhood: “Whether you are a homemaker or a working woman, you are always a mother to your children—even when you are not physically present in their day-to-day lives.”
She stressed the importance of open communication about one’s capacity to support their children in pursuing their chosen careers. This, she said, helps avoid misunderstandings, both financially and emotionally. She also emphasized that children are not expected to repay their parents, stating, “It is our responsibility to support them in every possible way and prepare them for the world beyond home.”
Fenomeno added that maintaining open communication fosters trust, respect, and a sense of mutual recognition within the family. She emphasized that it begins with dedicating quality time—sharing meals, listening to one another’s interests, and attending Eucharistic celebration together—simple yet meaningful activities that help strengthen family bonds.
On the style of parenting, Fenomeno addressed those children with diverse attitudes that require appropriate parenting approaches that suit the situation. “One style doesn’t fit at all, diverse parenting, but equal level of distribution of attention, approach depends on the needs of children and how they respond in certain circumstances,” she concludes. (Harvey Hornilla)
