Couple Danilo and Maricel Recustodio, residents of Barangay Palao, Iligan City, are a testament to the strength of family, determination, and the blessings that come their way.

As proud participants in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under Set 7A, the couple faced life’s challenges with resilience and unity.

But, the couple parted ways, leaving Maricel alone to raise their children.

The couple has five children, each contributing their unique talents and aspirations to the Recustodio family narrative.

Two of their children are pursuing higher education at Mindanao State University in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, excelling in Civil Engineering and Information Technology.

The younger trio, Paul, Pete (a twin), and Jhon Rafael are actively involved in the Pantawid Pamilya Program, showcasing academic excellence at 15, 7, and 3 years old, respectively.

Maricel manages the household, is a laundry woman during the day, and operates a snack store in Barangay Palao at night.

The small business, acquired through installment, has become a collective effort for the family to sustain the needs of the Recostudio siblings.

Maricel, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Finance at Iligan Medical College under the Tertiary Education Subsidy of the Commission on Higher Education.

Her determination to complete her education reflects her commitment to personal growth and development.

Through 4Ps, the Recustodio Family enjoyed free medical support and access to various grants and opportunities.

As an active resident in her community in Barangay Palao, 4Ps members under her cluster chose Maricel as their new parent leader, a fate she willingly accepted.

Holding education in high regard, Maricel encouraged their children to excel in their studies and pursue their dreams.

Despite the financial challenges, the solo-parent mother provided unwavering support to her children, emphasizing the importance of education as the key to a brighter future.

While securing degrees for all their children is ongoing, the family has experienced positive changes in their social and economic status compared to the last decade.

Believing that the 4Ps has played a crucial role in their progress, the Recustodio family remains grateful for the opportunities and assistance they continue to receive.

Looking towards the future, Maricel said her dreams of seeing all her children graduate and secure promising jobs are almost at hand because of the various interventions of the program.

Not only that, but the promising income from their Samgyupsal operations helped Maricel secure the family’s vital stability, improving one’s well-being.

The family considers their food business a blessing to uplift their lives.

Maricel is optimistic that all her siblings will tread the path of a prosperous future.

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