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It all started in love.

Felixberto and Cereniza Areglado’s love story is a narrative of perseverance and triumph against all odds in Lala, Lanao del Norte.

Together for a brighter future: Felixberto and Cereniza Areglado, a couple dedicated to uplifting their family through love and teamwork.

Their story began on the streets of the coastal barangay, where fate intertwined their paths.

Through chance or destiny, they found solace in each other’s company, and soon, their bond blossomed into a lifelong commitment.

Fuelled by love, they embarked on a journey together, facing both joys and tribulations hand in hand.

Little did they know of the challenges awaiting them as they exchanged vows. Their family grew with the arrival of five precious children, but so did their financial burdens.

Felixberto, without a stable job, and Cereniza, determined to support her husband, found themselves grappling with the harsh realities of life.

Cereniza nurtures nature: Feeding dozens of ducks in the lush estuarine habitat of Darumawang Ilaya, where nipa palms thrive and aquaculture flourishes.

Determined to provide their children a better future, they relocated to Darumawang Ilaya, Lala town from Margos, Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, seeking opportunities amidst uncertainty.

There, Felixberto cast his net into the vast expanse of the sea while Cereniza tirelessly hawked fish and cooked meals to make ends meet.

Felixberto skillfully navigates the narrow riverine to tend to his fish pens, a testament to his dedication and love for aquaculture.

Education became their hope.

Despite their financial struggles, they refused to compromise on their children’s right to learn.

They toiled day and night with unwavering resolve, sacrificing their comfort to ensure their children could pursue their dreams.

However, as their eldest son, Mark John, approached higher education, uncertainty loomed.

How would they sustain his aspirations amidst their meager means? The weight of their worries threatened to crush their spirits.

But fate had a surprise in store for them. In 2009, 4Ps selected their household as a beneficiary, offering a lifeline in their time of need.

With renewed vigor, they forged ahead, supported by the state and the unwavering love of a relative working as a seaman.

Years of dedication bore fruit as Mark John embarked on his journey as a seafarer, a testament to his parents’ sacrifices and his determination.

His success lifted the family from the depths of poverty and served as an inspiration for the entire community.

A smile that embodies countless struggles, unwavering commitment, and a dedication to building a better future for their family.

Today, Felixberto and Cereniza stand tall, their wrinkled hands a testament to the trials they’ve endured and the victories they’ve achieved.

Now, the family owns more than two hectares of bangus fish pens, cultivates mud crabs and shrimp, and raises dozens of ducks for balut and Pnoy egg supply.

The Areglado couple proudly stands in front of their newly-built home, a symbol of resilience and hope after the fire that changed their lives during the pandemic.

Their story reminds us that love and perseverance can weather even the fiercest storms, illuminating the path to a brighter tomorrow.

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