by: Jessica D. Quimbo, RSW

Iloilo City

Former 4Ps monitored child

ILOILO City – In the heart of a busy community in Iloilo City, Jessica D. Quimbo stands as a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. The 25-year-old, once a monitored child beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), has transformed her life and the lives of her siblings through education and pure determination. She is the breadwinner of the family and is currently a Social Welfare Officer II under the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI.

Jessica was raised in a modest home where financial hardship was a continuous reality. She was the second child among the six siblings. Her parents put in a lot of effort to support their family. Her mother was a food vendor, while her father worked as a taxi driver. The support from the 4Ps program helped alleviate some of the burdens. It was within this context that Jessica cultivated her passion for social work, driven by the desire to uplift not only her own family but her community as well.

Jessica’s academic journey started at Iloilo Doctors’ College last 2018 where she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Work as a working student and a Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) scholar of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Tragedy struck when her father passed away in October 2020, during her third year in college. This loss was worsened by the death of her mother just a month before her graduation in May 2022. While they were grieving due to their mother’s death, her brother was also hospitalized. Suddenly, Jessica found herself not only mourning her parents but also shouldering the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. She became a grantee of 4Ps replacing her mother’s slot at the age of 21. Her dedication was evident, and in 2022, she achieved the remarkable honor of graduating Cum Laude.

Despite the overwhelming grief, Jessica’s faith strengthened. She made the difficult decision to forgo the board examination for Social Workers in 2022, choosing instead to focus on providing for her siblings’ education and daily needs.

“I wanted to ensure that they had a future, even if it meant sacrificing my own dreams for a while,” she said.

The weight of responsibility was heavy, but Jessica embraced it wholeheartedly. She applied for a job at the Iloilo City Government juggling multiple roles to ensure her siblings could continue their studies. The bond between them grew stronger, each day was a testament to her sacrifices and love. Her siblings became her motivation, inspiring her to keep moving forward.

In 2023, after securing stable support for her family, Jessica finally took the Licensure Examination for Social Workers (LESW). This success was not just a personal victory, it marked the beginning of a new chapter for her and her siblings. Shortly after, she was hired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last May 2024, where she now serves as a Social Welfare Officer II at the DSWD-Crisis Intervention Section (AICS). As soon as she was employed at the DSWD, their household graduated from the program as they reached Level III of well-being.

In her current role, Jessica draws upon her life experiences to advocate for those in need. Jessica’s story is a story of resilience and hope. She embodies the spirit of perseverance, proving that even in the face of extreme loss and adversity, it is possible to rise and make a difference. As she walks into her office each day, she carries the memories of her parents and the dreams of her siblings, determined to create a better future not only for her family but for many others in her community.

She is thankful that her eldest brother is now working as a warehouseman earning a minimum income. Her three other siblings continue their studies in Grade 10 level and the other two are in their first and third year in college. The fourth one is temporary an out of school youth since Jessica cannot handle all the expenses needed for their education alone.

“Having been on the receiving end of assistance, I understand the struggles many families face. I want to give back and help others navigate their challenges,” she added.

Through her work at DSWD, Jessica continues to shine a light on the importance of social work, illustrating how one person’s journey can inspire change and uplift a community. Her story gives hope to future generations by serving as a reminder that challenges and sufferings may be turned into victory with bravery and compassion.