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. TAKING CARE OF THEIR 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. #BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWDDSWD (credits: DSWD 4Ps ML ARGELO CERRO)

IN PHOTOS: DSWD Field Office VIII officially unveiled the vegetable production project, and the Rice and Feeds Retail Store of the Camalig-Palid Multi-Purpose Association (CAMAPA I SLPA) in Sitio Camalig, Barangay Palid, Leyte, Leyte on 26 January 2024. CAMAPA I SLPA will serve the agricultural needs of the community and become a vital hub for farmers and locals seeking quality rice and feeds for poultry and livestock. The activity was attended by the members of CAMAPA I SLPA and witnessed by Brgy. Palid Chairman Benjamin Adorza; Municipal Agriculture Officer of Leyte Marcelo Combati, MSWDO Nierna Doller; and LGU Livelihood Focal Cristina Medalla. #AngelsInRedVest #BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD #SustainableLivelihoodProgram

POSITION: One (1) Houseparent III EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Permanent ASSIGNMENT: Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth Qualified applicants may submit their job application at DSWD Field Office VIII, Government Center, Candahug, Palo, Leyte with the following documents on or before February 2, 2024: 1. Application letter stating the desired position, salary grade and section/unit/program addressed to RD Grace Q. Subong; 2. Duly signed and updated Personal Data Sheet (PDS) with recent passport size picture and thumb mark (Civil Service Form No. 212 Revised 2017) with Work Experience Sheet; 3. Copy of Transcript of Records and/or Diploma; 4. Copy of Certificate of relevant trainings and seminars attended, if any; 5. Copy of Certificate of Eligibility, Driver’s License, PRC ID, if any; and 6. Certificate of employment, if any. 7. Copy of duly signed Individual Performance Contract Rating (IPCR) or its equivalent with Very Satisfactory rating during the last two (2) rating periods. For online application, submit your application at jobs.fo8@dswd.gov.ph with complete attachments. Be reminded to write and indicate APPLICATION FOR HOUSEPARENT III – RRCY as the subject. Incomplete application documents and submission beyond the deadline will not be entertained. THANK YOU!

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.”] #BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD (credits: DSWD 4Ps ML Regielyn Balolot)

Nagsagawa kamakailan ang DSWD Eastern Visayas at ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Barugo, Leyte ng training para sa Camp Coordination, Camp Management, Internally Displaced Persons Protection and Training on Logistics Management (Transportation & Warehousing). Pinangunahan ng Disaster Response Management Division ng DSWD ang nasabing training, kung saan nagbahagi ang ahensya ng kaalaman at karanasan nito sa tamang pangangasiwa ng evacuation centers, at ang pangagalaga sa mga Internally Displaced Persons, o ang mga nagsilikas dahil sa mga sakuna. Dumalo sa nasabing training ang mga kawani ng LGU, kasama ang mga first responders at mga miyembro ng Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Bilang bahagi ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), isa sa mga tungkulin ng DSWD ang pagbabahagi ng Technical Assistance, katulad ng training na ito, para sa mga Local Government Units at iba pang partners at stakeholders na nagnanais na maging mas handa sa pagharap sa mga sakuna. #BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD DRMD

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII, through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), attended the Bilis Ipon: Digital Inclusion Program Caravan led by the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), on January 18, 2024 at the Municipal Gymnasium, Abuyog, Leyte. Headed by the Landbank East Visayas Branches Group Head Vice President Llewellyn Cavite, some of the services and products that the Landbank introduced to the 50 participating Pantawid beneficiaries were the Landbank Mobile Banking Application; PISO Plus; and the newly launched Landbankasama program. The LANDBANKasama Program is an initiative aimed at expanding its services and enhancing financial inclusion, particularly in remote and underserved areas throughout the country. Pantawid beneficiaries like Jocelyn Altejarbarrio expressed her gratitude towards LBP’s various digital banking services. With the Landbankasama program, Jocelyn does not have to travel far to withdraw her cash grants; it means saving time and money for her. Further, DSWD Regional Director Grace Subong, in her message, stated that LBP’s Digital Inclusion Program aligns to the Digital reforms the DSWD, led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, is currently undertaking to ensure efficient and timely delivery of services to the clientele and communities we serve. Also present in the activity were town Mayor Lemuel Jin Traya; and Division Chief of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Paula Unay. #BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD

LOOK: DSWD Field Office VIII started the distribution of emergency cash transfers to flood-hit families in Northern Samar. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII has started the distribution of cash assistance today, January 19, 2024 to the families affected by the flooding due to the shear line in Northern Samar last November 2023. On the first day of distribution in Cataogan Lavezares, Northern Samar, some 133 individuals received P3,040.00 in cash assistance under DSWD’s Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) program. The payout to the remaining over 100,000 affected families in Northern Samar will continue in the coming days, as directed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, to ensure the early recovery and rehabilitation of those affected. #BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD