In Northern Mindanao, The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has indeed touched the lives and has been a blessing to thousands of family beneficiaries.
For Marites Padla, 36 years old, mother of six and an active Parent Leader in Barangay Kibanggay, Lantapan , Bukidnon, she considers the Program a big help to their family considering that all of her children are studying. She stressed that, if not for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, she and her husband would not be able to send them all to school, with farming as their only source of living.
“The things we learn during Family Development Sessions are more than enough for us. We learned values and things applicable in our daily lives. We learned how to spend our cash grants wisely and appropriately. Having our children and even the whole family regularly checked at the Barangay Health Center gives us a sense of security that our children are healthy”, says Marites.
She also beams with pride knowing that the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development is really doing its part in making sure that no one is left behind and that all efforts are geared towards the best interest of the Filipino families in need, much more, for the best interest of the children.
The story of Marites is only one of the many stories that are worth sharing and inspiring that indeed, amidst today’s chaos, struggles, problems and trials that test the values, lifestyle, and the perseverance of Filipino families from North to South, east to west, they have the will to stand the test of times and always come out victorious in their own little ways. All they need is the support system that would push and motivate them to make ends meet and make the best out of what is entrusted to them.
Written by, Mitzie S. Santiago, DSWD