This tells the story of Gemma Ambuyoc, a mother and former 4Ps Parent Leader, who proves that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams. At the age of 36, she finished her college degree with Latin Honors. She is currently employed at the Municipal Agriculture Office in their locality.
This is HER story beyond home.
Gemma Ambuyoc is a dedicated wife to her husband Benjie and a loving mother to her two children, Jerry and Precious Jemimah. Back in the day, while Benjie provided for the family’s daily necessities through his work as a tricycle driver, Gemma looked after the children and the house. Relying solely on the income of Benjie to pay for basic needs and rented house was never adequate.
In 2012, Gemma’s household was registered as a Pantawid beneficiary. This time, it changed their lives for the better.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) serves as an augmentation to the children’s education, health, and nutrition needs.
DISCOVERING HER POTENTIAL; 4PS: MORE THAN PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE POVERTY RELIEF
For Gemma, the 4Ps is more than a program that alleviates their current poverty. The program helped her build her confidence, found her voice, widened her perspective as a woman, and opened many doors of opportunities.
Through attending the Family Development Sessions, she learned to handle herself in front of many people, and she discovered her potential as a leader.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Gemma became a Parent Leader under the 4Ps, and eventually became a Baragay Health Worker in their locality and a community volunteer under the KALAHI-CIDSS program; BUB volunteer under DILG, among others.
Volunteering for her is a way of giving back to the government’s assistance to her family.
GETTING BACK INTO EDUCATION: A SCHOLAR AND AN ACHIEVER
Gemma believes in the power of knowledge and values the importance of Education. At the age of 36, she graduated from college with a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology at Southern Leyte State University (Bontoc Campus) in the year 2021.
During college, she was a CHED scholar and a Dean’s Lister. She used her allowances to have another source of income by selling food snacks and even beauty products to her colleagues during her free time.
Gemma stated, “Kinaya ko ang pag-aaral kasabay ng pagiging ina, asawa at volunteer sa iba’t ibang programa ng gobyerno.”
[I was able to pursue my studies with my responsibilities as a mother, wife, and volunteer of different programs of government.]
Gemma drew strength from her family to hurdle all the obstacles that came her way.
Now, she is currently working as an Administrative Aide on a casual status at the Municipal Agriculture Office in Bontoc.
FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE PROGRAM
Gemma’s family already graduated from the program. She expressed her gratitude towards the 4Ps and acknowledged that the program paves the way for more opportunities for her and her family.
Moving forward, Gemma vowed to never stop pursuing dreams for herself and her family.
“I will continue achieving my goals in life for myself and for my family towards a better future.”, she said.
She once made it and she knew she would make it again.
(credits: DSWD 4Ps ML ARGELO CERRO)
