AREVALO Iloilo City – Maribel M. Bartonico stands as a dedicated 4Ps Parent Leader, serving her barangay of Sto. Domingo here for almost eight years. At 46 years old, she epitomizes resilience and commitment, leading by example alongside her husband Roden who works diligently as a laborer.

The couple has only two children. The eldest daughter Theresa is a licensed teacher who is now working as a staff of the Department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). Meanwhile, the youngest daughter Aliah is carving her path at ISAT-U, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

As a PL, Maribel’s journey has been one of empowerment and transformation for both herself and the families she serves. It all began with a simple desire to make a difference in her community.

Maribel embarked on this path by visiting households, sharing valuable insights on making informed choices, and assisting families in navigating the program’s requirements. However, it was during moments of adversity that the true impact of her role emerged.

Whenever families faced challenges with their grants, Maribel became their beacon of support. She emphasized the importance of attending Family Development Sessions (FDS) and explained how absences could affect their benefits. Offering practical solutions, she encouraged them to designate proxies for FDS attendance when necessary, ensuring that no opportunity for learning and growth was missed.

In instances where ATM cards went missing, Maribel guided families through the process of obtaining affidavits of loss and visiting City Link offices. These actions weren’t just administrative tasks; they were lifelines, ensuring that essential resources reached those who needed them most.

But Maribel’s impact extends far beyond her household. In the heart of her community, she stands as a catalyst for change. From participating in clean-up drives to organizing children’s activities and distributing essential vitamins, she is committed to nurturing a healthier, more vibrant environment for all.

Through her involvement in programs like Brigada Eskwela, Maribel has witnessed the power of collective action. Together, they’re not just building schools; they’re building futures filled with promise and possibility.

In this journey of change, Maribel has found purpose and fulfillment. Every challenge overcome, every life touched, reinforces her belief in the transformative power of compassion and collective effort. Together, they’re not just shaping a better future; they’re living it, one meaningful interaction at a time.

Lastly, she is deeply committed to her advocacy as a peer counselor, focusing on supporting first-time mothers and championing breastfeeding initiatives. Her unwavering dedication to this cause is exemplified by her active involvement in specialized training sessions conducted by World Vision in 2017, designed to empower women and promote breastfeeding. Additionally, she selflessly volunteers her time and expertise for a range of World Vision projects, which encompass the distribution of vital resources such as school supplies, vitamins, and sanitation essentials, benefiting marginalized communities identified as recipients of their aid efforts.

Maribel expresses profound gratitude to the 4Ps for enabling her eldest child to complete her studies. She wholeheartedly testifies to the transformative impact of the program on her life, recounting how it has empowered her to become a strong and resilient woman. Through the support provided by the program, she has been able to overcome numerous challenges and obstacles, emerging as a beacon of inspiration within her community.

She emphasizes the program’s pivotal role in shaping her journey toward personal and academic fulfillment, instilling in her a deep sense of gratitude and determination to pay it forward by uplifting others in similar circumstances. (Written by: SDA Focal Person Nelson S. Calacasan, IGPOO) lrbc/mgc*