The 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) becomes the pillar of hope and transformation for the Sumile Family in Barangay Gumagamot, Lala, Lanao del Norte.
The program becomes the instrument for the Sumile siblings to finish their studies and earn a decent living.
Jocelyn, a 4Ps Parent Leader and a mother to the five siblings, said 4Ps had uplifted their lives.
Jocelyn vividly recalls the challenging days before becoming a beneficiary. Relying solely on seasonal income as farm laborers, the Sumile Family struggled to make ends meet.
Despite raising and domesticating animals to support their livelihood, it was not enough to cover their children’s educational needs.
The turning point came in September 2008 when the DSWD’s Listahanan Program surveyed the residents of Barangay Gumagamot.
Little did Jocelyn know that this enumeration would pave the way for a brighter future for her family and many others in their community.
After the enumeration, 4Ps included the family in the first batch of 4Ps beneficiaries, who received not just financial aid but also access to valuable training and development sessions.
Jocelyn’s journey as a 4Ps member took a significant turn when her fellow beneficiaries elected her as a Parent Leader in their cluster.
As a parent leader, Jocelyn enjoyed the various training sessions, during which she gained leadership skills and empowerment, becoming an active and proud member of her community.
Jocelyn takes pride in being a guiding force in the lives of her fellow community members. She has witnessed the youth’s development, encouraged them to finish their education, and rejoiced in their success.
As a testament to her commitment, Jocelyn became active in their community. She worked as a volunteer for the Kalahi CIDSS Project for seven years, supporting various programs initiated by both governmental and non-governmental agencies.
She also serves as a sanitary inspector in Barangay Gumagamot, actively participating in activities and programs that benefit the community.
The impact of the 4Ps program on Jocelyn’s life goes beyond financial assistance.
Through Family Development Sessions (FDS), she acquired essential knowledge, enabling her to navigate bureaucratic processes like PSA registration and obtaining legal documents.
She attributes her newfound confidence and capabilities to the program.
Jocelyn expresses her gratitude and shares that the program has opened numerous opportunities for learning and growth.
Her children, once facing the challenges of poverty, have survived and excelled in their education.
Two of her sons have completed college courses, one in Electronics Engineering and the other in Hotel Restaurant Technology, and are now working abroad.
Her third child is on the cusp of graduating with a degree in Business Administration, while the rest of her children are thriving in secondary education.
Despite the challenges, Jocelyn and her husband persistently strive to provide for their children’s needs, ensuring they continue their education and succeed.
However, Jocelyn acknowledges the challenges she faced alongside her 4Ps colleagues, emphasizing the need for patience and perseverance.
She is a living example of resilience, demonstrating how self-adjustment and unwavering support can lead to positive change.
Jocelyn extends her heartfelt gratitude to the DSWD for their tireless efforts in supporting the less fortunate in overcoming the clutches of poverty.
The family’s story is a powerful narrative of transformation—a journey from adversity to empowerment, guided by the beacon of education and the unwavering support of the local and national government agencies, programs, and services.
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