A gift from heaven to Ilocandia,
This is how life began to Josefa,
Who wakened to the rhythm of the choir
And her father's sweet strains, filling the air.
She heeded her mother's voice from the start,
And grew up with God's words tucked in her heart;
As a first born, so well she played her part,
Though the years spelled her youth,yet she was smart.
An early bloomer and a born leader,
She always rose above among her peers;
Determination, no storm could hinder,
Brought her to glorious success through the years.
She dreamed to enlighten her people's mind,
So, her old little town , she left behind;
Off to Manila, she went to learn more,
Orchids and laurels she reaped as before.
Yet, at the peak of her chosen career,
She laid down her profession asunder;
Believing she could serve people better,
In the Red Cross as a social worker.
She wove the chain of friendship everywhere,
Unfurled the banner of courage and cheer;
Wore the badge of unselfishness and care,,
And went around to help, inspire and share.
Service to others was the path she chose,
She kept as a vow to work for the cause;
Her head,heart and hands never came to pause,
To help the downtrodden till the repose.
While alone in a strange land faraway,
She strove for national identity
Her eloquence gave fame to her country,
And found her someone to love and marry.
She trained each member of the family,
To be of help to the community.
Because of her, we have a GSP,
And National Red Cross Society.
Amidst the horror and chaos of war,
Together, side by side with her husband,
She succored the defenders of the land;
With greater efforts,they worked hand in hand.
Thrown into the dark corners of prison,
Because of the enemies' suspicion,
She stood by her husband in seclusion,
And allayed the pains of desperation.
Before the dawn of freedom shone anew,
She faced death with her beloved at Fort Santiago;
Slain in a manner which nobody knew,
Leaving us her great deeds, noble and true.
