Who would think a poor couple could afford to send all eight children to college and let them finish their studies?

But, the simple Sabal Family of San Roque, Mahinog, Camiguin, through the determination of the couple, Corazon and Asterio, did all that they could to sustain the needs of their eight children to keep them in school.

The couple have been blessed with four boys and four girls.

Once facing financial struggles, the Sabal Family has emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that determination, coupled with the support of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), can pave the way for success.

Corazon and her husband are the proud parents of eight children.

Despite their modest means, the couple exhibited unwavering determination to provide their children with an education, an investment they believed would secure a brighter future.

Corazon worked tirelessly on house chores while her husband took on labor work to make ends meet.

Juggling the financial challenges, Corazon even went so far as to write promissory notes so her children could take their exams.

The Sabal Family’s journey took a positive turn after their inclusion in the 4Ps program in 2011, following the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Listahanan enumeration.

The family found relief through the program, receiving vital support for school uniforms, supplies, and tuition fees.

The Sabal family life improved significantly, with their eldest daughter Kris being the program’s grantee.

Six of their children successfully obtained college diplomas, and two are pursuing higher education.

Kris, who graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, expressed gratitude for the program’s crucial role in funding her education and that of her siblings.

Maria Ela, a recent graduate in Accountancy, is now employed at the Mahinog Assessor’s Office.

Although not a monitored child in the program, Maria Ela benefited indirectly from the grants, contributing to her success.

Two monitored children, completing senior high school, are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the Misamis Oriental Institute of Science and Technology.

Their aspirations reflect a commitment to serve the community, aspiring to become police officers or members of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The Sabal Family’s success story underscores the transformative impact of the 4Ps program, emphasizing education, health, and nutrition.

The family actively collaborated in realizing the program’s vision, finding innovative ways to support their children’s education and secure their future.

Corazon summed up their journey with a powerful statement, “Dili lalim nga mag support sa dako nga pamilya, apan nakaya namo, nakita na sa amoang mga anak” (Supporting a large family is not easy, but we managed, and our children have seen it).

The Sabal Family serves as a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the remarkable achievements possible when families, despite limited resources, actively participate in securing a better future for their children.

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