A VAQUERO FROM PAYO FINDS SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE USA
Valedictorian, 1958
Cum laude graduate, 1963
Early Achievements
Then young Francisco when he graduated as valedictorian from high school in 1958; a cum laude graduate in BS Agricultural Engineering at Araneta University in 1963; and, on his last day in Manila before he left for the USA.
"Try first thyself, and after call in God; For to the worker God himself lends aid."
Like many Filipinos who picked themselves up from hardship and on their own searched for a better life outside the country, Francisco dela Rosa knew as a young man that he could not remain a farmer and carabao herder forever.
For sure the life of a vaquero, in a poor family of eight siblings, was hard. Seldom did they have rice for food and only during harvest time, with their daily nourishment often consisting of boiled sweet potatoes and shredded coconut meat with a dash of salt.
Departure for USA, 1963
Family Roots
IN THIS PHOTO TAKEN IN 1953, Eulogio Vega dela Rosa and Anatalia Villegas Aguilar pose with five of their eight children. Flanking the couple are Maria (left) and Dionisia (right). At the back (from left) are Francisco, Jose and Pedro. Only Francisco, Jose, Dionisia and Gloria are alive today.
The young Francisco walked several miles to school on his bare feet. And during the almost daily trek to get his education, the drive to rise above his humble origins most probably came to his mind.
God helps those who help themselves, he thought and kept this in his heart all the time.
He knew that his parents – a farmer and a housekeeper – would never have the finances to provide for a proper education right up to college. His "tatay," Eulogio Vega dela Rosa, reached only the fourth grade in elementary school while his "nanay," Anatalia Villegas Aguilar, didn't even have the chance to go to school because she helped her parents in their needs.
Antonio, high school graduate
Eldest sister Luz
Sister Gloria
Antonio completed high school at Central Luzon Agricultural School. Eldest sister Luz (left) and second eldest sister Gloria (right), who while working in Manila in 1952, helped Francisco financially in his college education.
Family Support
With the support of his elder sisters Luz and Gloria, he secured his degree with cum laude honors in 1963.
His pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there, as he soon applied for post-graduate studies at the University of California (Davis). He was accepted, with his uncle, US-based Andres and aunt Betty de la Rosa helping him secure a student visa for the trip to the United States of America. He finally landed at the San Francisco International Airport on September 23, 1963.
Temporarily staying with the dela Rosas and their three children, he moved afterwards to the dorm for graduate students at the university. Half the time, he worked as a graduate research assistant for his counsellor, Dr. William J. Chancellor.
Love and Loss
In New York, Frank met his first lady love, Ms. Demie Gonzalo, a registered nurse who graduated from University of Santo Tomas. They settled in New Jersey to build their family but she died at the early age of 40, leaving him with three children, namely, Cindy, Dexter and Joy.
After getting married on July 25, 1970, he moved from California to New York, asking for transfer of his work in nearby New Jersey to Davy-McKee Engineering Corporation, a major engineering firm in Eastern US.
There, they settled there, bringing up three children, Cindy, Dexter and Joy. But, sadly, the young couple didn't get to enjoy their married life to the fullest. Demie died at the early age of 40 on Oct. 2, 1978.
FRANK AND MARY GRACE'S SPRAWLING RETIREMENT HOME IN FLORIDA
Reflections
Looking back at his eventful flight to America, Francisco said he missed the land of his birth where he lived for the first 25 years of his life.
"I had mixed emotions leaving my birthplace, my beloved family, classmates and friends," he told the Tribune. "I had so many happy memories left behind, and they'll be kept in my heart forever..."
FRANK'S DREAM HOME. This is an artist's sketch of what he dreams would be his home in his beloved Panganiban.
Dreams and Perseverance
But the sacrifices and struggles he experienced back home in Panganiban, especially during high school, somehow taught him how to survive in his new country, where, he admitted, racial discrimination goes on, albeit not so publicly nowadays.
FRANK DE LA ROSA's FAMILY: (Clockwise from top left) second son Francis, a civil engineer; Frank; eldest son Dexter, an accountant; Mary Grace; Joy, a communication arts specialist; and Cindy, a pediatrician. The growing family now has eight grandchildren.
Family Legacy
"Humbly, I thank God for blessing me with four children who are highly professionals in their fields of endeavor, and for blessing me with two beautiful ladies, who are now finally home with you. To God Be the Glory forever!" he enthuses.
He had this drawn so he would not forget what he did when he was young.
Humble Beginnings
"I once heard that God helps those who help themselves. I kept this in my heart all the time. It always worked for me wherever I am," he shared. "Who will believe me? I walked several miles to school barefooted. I had shabby clothes. We had seldom rice for food, only during rice harvest time; eating sweet potatoes, with shredded coconut or with a dash of salt. In spite of everything, God loves us all just the same."