READ: The Impact of 4Ps: How It transformed the lives of families like the Fugado’s
The Fugado family’s account of change mirrors the inspiring narratives of many impoverished households-beneficiaries who have managed to attain the Self-Sufficiency level of well-being, with the help of their perseverance and aid from 4Ps.
For Fugado family, it was never an easy journey towards Self-Sufficiency. The couple, Alma and Eliseo, lived in a small house in San Isidro Northern Samar, that is given by the latter’s brother. The small dwelling was built of light materials of Amakan and Nipa. It provided them warmth while also yielded fear during storms. That time, it was all they could afford.
Alma, being a housewife, was supported financially by Eliseo, who worked as a carpenter. At the beginning, Eliseo’s earnings from his carpentry job adequately met their needs and allowed them to build their own modest home. However, as their family expanded to eight members, Eliseo and Alma realized that the former’s income alone would not be sufficient to provide food for everyone. Alma, being solely responsible for the care of their children, was unable to seek employment. To address this, Eliseo, a diligent and skilled worker, sought additional employment opportunities alongside his work as a carpenter. He took on labor jobs within their community. Yet, they still needed an aid for the growing needs of their children most especially the school expenses.
Support from 4Ps to children’s education
Fortunately for them, their household was registered as Pantawid beneficiary in the year 2011.
Alma stated that they utilized the cash grants they received primarily for their children’s education. At the time, three out of their six children were attending grade school. As for other household expenses, they relied on Eliseo’s income. The couple committed to comply the program’s conditionalities to receive the cash grants because it will really help them with the education of their children.
Also, it should be noted that neither Alma nor Eliseo have any vices, they’d rather save small amount of money for emergency expenses.
Impact of the 4Ps
The Pantawid Pamilya was greatly beneficial to Alma and Eliseo’s family, providing them with both financial assistance and valuable knowledge through the monthly Family Development Sessions.
Alma, in particular, gained insights on financial management, becoming a more accountable parent, and actively participating in her community. She eventually became a parent leader. Alma now views herself as an empowered woman, filled with dignity and motivation to support others who face similar struggles and to demonstrate that being a full-time mother does not hinder one’s ability to lead, influence, and help others.
With hard work and assistance from 4Ps, Eliseo and Alma produced three graduates already who now help them in providing the daily necessities, improving the structure of their house, and in investing income-generating livelihood such as the local eatery.
Happily exited the program
The Fugado family graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the year 2022 after attaining a Self-Sufficiency level of well-being.
The family is more than happy for the help of the program.
Alma once said, “Napakalaki ng naitulong ng Pantawid Pamilya sa aming buhay upang makaangat kami sa kahirapan. Nagkaroon na kami ng sariling bahay at napag-aral ko ang aking mga anak sa kolehiyo. Kumpyansa kami na kaya naming tumayo sa sarili naming mga paa kahit hindi na kami kabilang sa 4Ps. Ito ay dahil sa lahat ng aming natutunan.”
[“Pantawid Pamilya played a significant role in improving our lives by helping us get out from poverty. We acquired a home, and I managed to provide my children with their education. We firmly believe that we can be self-reliant, even without being part of the 4Ps program anymore. This is attributed to the valuable knowledge and skills we have gained from the program.”]
(credits: DSWD 4Ps ML Regielyn Balolot)
