Maria Divina Benabese Dela Cruz

About Maria Divina Benabese Dela Cruz

Maria Divina Benabese Dela Cruz was born and raised in the quiet town of Angadanan, Isabela, in the northern part of the Philippines. The only child of a simple household, she grew up under the care of a loving mother who is now 77 years old. Her father, who passed away some years ago, taught her the values of hard work and humility—principles she continues to carry with her to this day. She finished her secondary education at Angadanan National High School in 2001. Like many young dreamers in her province, she had ambitions of earning a college degree and pursued a course in Computer Studies. Unfortunately, her college education was cut short due to financial difficulties. But what Divina lacked in resources, she made up for with determination and sacrifice. She married a farmer—a man as hardworking and grounded as she is—and together they have built a modest life. They are blessed with three children, now aged 16, 7, and 5, who serve as her greatest motivation. With a growing family and rising expenses, Divina made the life-changing decision to work abroad in hopes of giving her children a better future. Her journey as a domestic helper began, HONGKONG (2009 – 2011). There, she worked for a Chinese family in a large, three-storey, five-bedroom home. The household included a couple and their three children, ages 17, 15, and 5. She worked alongside two other maids, and together they managed the household chores and took turns looking after the children. It was her first experience abroad, and though the work was demanding, she embraced every responsibility with patience and grace. SINGAPORE (July 2015 – Mar 2016), Divina took another opportunity in Singapore, where she was employed by a Chinese-Indian couple with two young children (5 year old and a 4-month-old baby. She lived with them in a 3-bedroom HDB flat and served as an all-around helper, doing all the household chores except cooking. Her primary focus was caring for the children, especially the infant, which further strengthened her skills in baby care. HONGKONG (May 2016 – Dec 2017), she returned to Hong Kong, this time to assist an elderly couple aged 89 and 87. Though both were still mobile, they needed help with daily routines and maintaining their home. Divina shared the responsibilities with another helper, and together they made sure the elderly couple lived comfortably and safely. Since returning to the Philippines, Divina has remained productive. While waiting for a new job opportunity in Singapore, she helps her husband with farm work and has started a small home business producing and selling dishwashing soap. She continues to be an example of resilience and creativity, always finding ways to support her family. With over four years of international experience, Divina has grown confident in handling newborns, toddlers, and school-aged children. She is skilled in preparing meals, feeding, bathing, changing clothes and diapers, and providing age-appropriate educational activities. She also enjoys household work, especially cleaning and organizing. She can cook Filipino dishes and has picked up basic Chinese recipes, with a strong willingness to learn more, including other foreign cuisines. In addition to her domestic skills, Divina is open to doing gardening, pet care, and car washing, if required. For Maria Divina Dela Cruz, working abroad isn’t just a job—it’s a mission to give her children a brighter future and to be of service to families who need a trustworthy and dependable hand in their homes. She hopes to be given another chance to do just that.