The Little Musical Pastor of Cordova

Jhon Rhod C. Amodia

As Jhon Rhod starts to play the keyboard for the worship song entitled “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord),” his mother Jonalyn candidly sings the lyrics of the song.

Bless the Lord oh my soul
Oh my soul
Worship His Holy name
Sing like never before
Oh my soul
I’ll worship Your Holy name

“Matag adlaw ginadayeg nako ang ngalan sa Ginoo pinaagi sa talent nga gihatag niya kanako (Every day I praise the name of God through the talent that he gave me),” Jhon Rhod explained as he continued playing the musical notes.

Who is Jhon Rhod?

Jhon Rhod Amodia, a 12 years old lad who hails from Barangay Gabi, Cordova, Cebu, is the eldest son of Teodulfo and Jonalyn Amodia. His younger and only sibling is Jose Rodulfo, 8 years old.

Teodulfo is a construction worker. He only works when there is a project. When there is no available work, he drives a “trisikad”.

Jonalyn helps her husband put food on the table by managing her own “sari-sari” store. She also occasionally sells food in their neighborhood.

“Nakita namo ang kalisud busa among nadesisyonan nga magplano sa pamilya mao nga duha ra among anak (We saw how hard life is and so we decided to have a family planning and that is why we only have two children),” said Teodulfo.

“Maka-income man sad ko sa pagpaninda diri ug makabantay sad ko sa akong mga anak labi na sa ilang pag eskwela (I can also earn from selling at the same time I can watch over my children especially in their studies),” said Jonalyn.

Jhon Rhod is currently a grade 7 student at Marigondon National High School while his brother Jose Rodulfo is a grade 3 pupil of Subabasbas Elementary School.

Both Jhon Rhod and Jose Rodulfo are monitored children under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Jhon Rhod has all praises for his parents whom he described as hardworking despite the hardships they have been through as a family.

“My parents are my role models. They supported me in my studies and taught us the right values like kindness, determination, patience and faith in God,” said Jhon Rhod in dialect.

Jhon Rhod also builds a healthy relationship with his brother. He helps him do his school assignments and projects.

Pantawid Pamilya Partner-Beneficiary

As a compliant Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, the family regularly received cash grant of Php 3,400.00 every two months for health and education. For the next payout, the cash grant will increase to Php 3,800.00 because Jhon Rhod is already in high school. They also receive a rice subsidy worth Php 600.00 per month and for 2019 they have availed a one-time Php 3,600.00 cash grant under the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT).

“Nakatabang ang cash grant nga nadawat namo gikan sa Pantawid kay nakapuno kini sa among budget para sa among pag eskwela ug sa bugas (The Pantawid cash grants augments the budget for our education and in buying the rice),” claimed Jhon Rhod.

“Ma-compare jud nako nga lahi ang among kahimtang sa una ug sa karon nga apil nami sa Pantawid (I can compare the different between our life before and now that we are part of the program),” added Jhon Rhod added.

Jonalyn ensures that the cash grants are used in its intended purpose – for children’s education, health and food.

“Sa una maka-utang pa aron makapalit sa mga school requirements sa mga bata ug mag kalisud jud. Busa nagpasalamat ako sa tabang sa DSWD kay masiguro na namo ang pag eskwela sa mga bata. Apan wala mi nagsalig ani ug naningkamot gihapon kami kay ang Pantawid abag lamang sa gobyerno alang sa mga kabos sama namo (We incurred debts before just to secure the school requirements for the children. Life was really difficult. That is why we are grateful for the help from DSWD because we are now assured of the education of our children. But, we do not just rely on Pantawid. We also work hard considering that this is just an assistance from the government to poor families like us),” explained Jonalyn.

Jonalyn emphasized that even in their poor situation, they continue to seek God.

“Seeing them finish their studies would mean so much to us. Education is the only treasure we can give to them,” added Jonalyn.

Hence, both Teodulfo and Jonalyn strive to find means to support their family.

With all their experiences, they know the importance of saving. Jonalyn opens a savings account for her two children in a local cooperative. She regularly saves some amount from their cash grants and deposit them. Jhon Rhod also saves money from his “baon” and currently has Php 12,000.00 in his savings account.

The Amodia couple are regular attendees of the Family Development Session (FDS), where they learned insights on responsible parenthood, disaster preparedness, values and spiritual formation and other relevant topics.

Jonalyn, as a parent, gives due attention to the roles of parents and the rights of children. She understands the important role of parents in molding a child.

Academic Excellence

Jhon Rhod believes in the value of education. He understands that being diligent in studies is already a preparation for his future job.

“Para sa mga bata nga nawad-an og gana sa pageskwela, gusto nako nga mahuna-huna nila ang sakripisyo sa ilang mga ginikanan. Daghan mga kakulian nga maagian pero kini gamitun nila aron mahimong silang mas maayong tawo (For my fellow children who lose interest in going to school, I want them to realize the sacrifices of their parents. There will be challenges along the way but they can use this as an experience to make them better persons),” Jhon Rhod said with conviction as he wants to advocate education.

Jhon Rhod’s diligence paid off as he received various awards and recognitions in his school. He is a consistent honor student from kindergarten to grade 6.

He said that all these he offers to his parents for their sacrifices. “Gusto nako ma-proud akong pamilya nako ug gusto nako mahimong modelo sa ubang bata nga magkugi sa ilang pagtuon (I want my family to be proud of me and set a good role model to other children to be diligent in their studies),” shared Jhon Rhod.

He added that to excel in class, one has to attend school always. Listening, taking down notes and actively participating in the discussion are few of his ways in having good grades.

Known for his good leadership, he was elected as the President of the Supreme Pupil Government during elementary.

He attended seminars and takes a strong standpoint against drugs, cyber pornography, child abuse and bullying and he shares these learnings to his fellow pupils and friends in their community.

He shared that he wants to be a doctor someday and dreams to open a clinic near their house in order to serve the people especially the poor.

His Musical inclination

Growing up in a Christian home, Jhon Rhod always goes to their church with his parents. At two years old, he was already exposed to the musical instruments in his church. One Sunday, after the worship, the little boy gathered their cookware such as pots and plates and used it as drums.

Their church pastor discovered his potential and bought him toy drum set, which started Jhon Rhod’s passion for music. He has developed a bond with drums and the relationship has grown and evolved over the years. He eventually fell in love with music.

Currently, he plays various musical instruments like piano, guitar, drum and ukulele owned by their church.

He is also a member of his school DLBC (Drum, Lyre and Bugle Corps) where he plays the snare drum.

His Advocacy

“My talent is a gift from God and I must use it to serve him. This talent of mine is to express my love to Jesus not just to impress people,” he said in dialect.

He believes in the power of prayer and said that through God, his father Teodulfo became a Christian. Upon knowing God, his father stopped his vices and has turned into a responsible provider to his family.

There are times that Jhon Rhod would share to his classmates what he learned in the church and that earned him the moniker the “Little Pastor”. He also never forgets to pray every morning after waking up and before sleeping at night. He prays when he eats, goes to school and feels uncertain of things around him.

“Ang pag ampo mao ang paagi nga maka communicate ta sa Ginoo para daygon nato siya, mangayo og pasaylo ug magpasalamat sa mga grasya nga nadawat (Prayer is our way to communicate with God to praise Him, ask forgiveness and give thanks for all the graces received),” he added.

Jhon Rhod encourages other children to read the bible because it contains many inspirational stories.

His favorite bible verse is John 13:34 “Higugmaa ang isig katawo sama sa pag higugma sa Ginoo kanimo (Love everyone the way God loves you),” he said.