In 2009, the Ramirez family from San Jorge Samar became beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The cash grants helped Lorena and Loreto support their two children’s daily needs. Lorena couldn’t finish high school due to illness, while Loreto worked as a farm laborer and volunteered at schools with his degree in Education. However, Loreto’s income wasn’t sufficient for the family’s basic needs. The couple was just thankful that the cash grants from the 4Ps program greatly supplemented their income, especially for the education of their school-aged child.
Lorena and Loreto understood the importance of not solely relying on cash grants. Lorena started studying through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in 2013, inspired by the learnings she got through attending the Family Development Sessions. Despite the challenges of being a mother and a student, Lorena successfully completed her studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2019. In the same year, she also passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers and applied for a teaching position at the Department of Education (DepEd). Currently, she works as an ALS volunteer teacher in San Jorge, Samar.
Meanwhile, Loreto is currently already employed as a public teacher. With his salary, they were able to build a sturdy house with a galvanized iron roof and strong outer walls. They have electricity and access to a community water system, but they buy sterilized water for drinking. They also have their own water-sealed toilet.
Further, Loreto supports the education of Lorena’s siblings, and one of them has already graduated and is applying for a job as a public teacher.
In summary, they now have a more comfortable life and can sustain their basic needs. As a matter of fact, the family voluntarily waived their privileges from the program to give way to those families who are in need.
Lorena and Loreto expressed their gratitude towards the program and looked forward to more families making use of the program’s aid appropriately.
(credits: DSWD ML Marie Belle Amacna)