Cagayan de Oro City — A beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here revealed that she was engaged in illegal gambling that almost ruin her family life.

Now she says she has turned her life around and is advocating for reform, helping other beneficiary use cash grants prudently.

Marjorie Yecyec, a parent advocate of DSWD Northern Mindanao, said her life changes when her family becomes beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilya in 2008 under Set 1.

Marjorie, who lives in Macabalan in this city, believes that the DSWD has taught her to work harder, to be diligent in what she does, and to be participative in community works.

“The Family Development Session has changed my life dramatically,” said Yecyec, who also disclosed that she used to drink alcohol before with her neighbors.

“The FDS teaches us on how we can improve our lives and protect ourselves from risks, especially when our City Link Majalalil Flores and other resource speakers discussed on various topics like disaster preparedness, family relationships and marriage, good and effective parenting, community participation, health, among others,” she said.

Marjorie, a barangay police officer and community health navigator of the Department of Health, claimed that she has more time now with her four daughters despite her hectic schedule.

Marjorie, along with her neighbor and fellow parent advocate, Elsa Sabellana, is a regular resource person for DSWD during interviews with media practitioners.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly of children aged 0-18 years old. It provides a monthly cash grant of a maximum of P1,400 for qualified households provided that they comply with the conditions set by the program. Families who fail to comply with certain conditions will not receive the benefit corresponding to the conditions and are given reminders by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the implementing agency of the Program.

“With the Pantawid Pamilya cash grants, I am no longer worried about whether I can send my children to school and provide for their health needs. I can now save some of our money, find more ways to earn more,” said Yecyec.

She added that “with Pantawid Pamilya, I can make a difference in my home and in my community!”

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