Like many of us, Dr. Debra A. Llagas, an educator for almost two decades, is a Sto. Niño devotee since her younger years. She would always come to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu with her family to attend masses. The Basilica’s historic walls may seem huge to a young Debra but even bigger is her faith which grew stronger as she grew older.

In her teaching career, she did not only inspire her students but also taught them how to live a Christian life led by a strong faith in God.

“One should live a life with God’s faith and love and be an instrument to inspire others and to have a better transformation as well,” she remarked.

In both her personal and professional life, she has been blessed by the Holy Child. She recalls how she would pray and her prayers would never go unanswered.

Many of the countless blessings that the Holy Child granted to her were important milestones in her life. These were the times when she passed the board exam that paved the way for her prosperous teaching career. She was also given the man of her life to whom she has been with for more than a decade.

Dr. Llagas said that not all blessings are asked, rather, some are unexpected ones.

“Pangayuon man nimo o dili, ihatag jud na’s Sto. Niño,” she stated.

This year, Dr. Llagas’ petitions include her career, healing, and having a child of her own.

“My petitions to Him now are: first, to find another job because I just recently resigned from [my] previous work… Second, I hope He will bless us with a child or children. It’s been 14 years and we still believe in His blessings and miracles. Lastly, to heal me, my family, and people nga ga-struggle sad sa ilahang health conditions…”

Dr. Llagas is just one of the many devotees in the teaching profession– a career that is blessed to be a blessing to a generation of many professionals. /JC-Ray Bellen, BMSN Media Centre student volunteer