Adora Manlangit is now living her dream. She has become what she had aspired to be—a full-fledged, licensed public school teacher. But, before becoming what she is right now, she was once a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino  Program (4Ps). In 2009, she became a 4Ps beneficiary assessed under the “survival” category, which is defined as the lowest level of well-being in the program. Her husband, who was working as an electrician, was just earning the minimum wage. Their family income wasn’t enough to sustain their daily needs.
Their situation pushed Adora to persevere and make her dreams come true. She was determined to become a teacher, to achiever her personal dream and also for her family to get out of poverty. So she pressed on, even after failing many times.

While taking the board exam, she was faced with obstacles that tested her confidence and faith. When she first took the board exam, she failed to pass.

In her second attempt, she failed again.

In her third attempt, she was still not successful.

In her fourth attempt, her score still did not reach the passing rate. She had to deal with eight failed attempts.

In her ninth try, she finally passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET)! She was on “cloud NINE” after learning the good news.

Without a doubt, her experience is an epitome of the adage, “try and try until you succeed!”

She carried within her a strength that was not easily diminished by failures.

In trying to reach her ultimate dream—she tried and failed a number of times, but she never failed to try again and again until she achieved her ambition.

“Always try your best. Even if you fail, keep trying. God sees your work, your passion and your persistence,” Adora said.

After passing the board exam in 2016, she immediately applied at the Department of Education. Her patience was tested again, as she did not get her desired position right away. She was first assigned at Inayupan Elementary School in Javier, Leyte as a substitute teacher while waiting for a vacancy. At that time, her two sons entered high school. Their family income was insufficient for all household and school expenses. She needed a financial breakthrough as soon as possible.

Finally, after patiently waiting, the opportunity of becoming a regular/permanent teacher came. This time, she availed of the SLP Employment Assistance Fund, which is a grant for 4Ps beneficiaries with guaranteed employment to help them acquire the pre-employment requirements such as legal documents, medical exam, licenses, among others. The EAF amounting to P5,000 spares the beneficiary from spending for the requirements out of their own pocket. The grant can also be used for the beneficiary’s meal, lodging, or transportation allowance. Adora became a regular teacher last October 2016.

She already reached the “self-sufficient” level as a beneficiary of Pantawid Program. She has already waived from the cash grant of 4Ps as their income is now stable. She’s happy and thankful to the programs of DSWD that give an opportunity to the poor to increase their family income and improve their socio-economic condition.

“All our dreams can be possible if we have the courage to pursue them,” she said. Ma. Josebelle Bagulaya with Rogelio Pensona Jr.