Achievements of the Sakada family reflect wise spending of 4Ps grantsSAN CARLOS, Negros Occidental – The Flores family of Barangay Guadalupe of this town embarked on a journey of transformation. Living in poverty, the couple 59-year-old Edgardo and 54-year-old Hebeliza Flores struggled to provide for their five children, relying solely on Edgardo’s income as a Sakada (sugarcane plantation worker). The family’s daily life revolved around survival, with dreams of a better future seeming far beyond reach.
Their turning point came when they became a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), classified under Level 1 – Survival in terms of well-being. With the program’s financial assistance, conditional on their children’s education and health, as well as attending regular Family Development Sessions (FDS), the Flores family saw a glimmer of hope to improve their lives.
CHALLENGES
The Flores family faced overwhelming challenges. With five children to care for, sending them to school, particularly in college was almost impossible. Edgardo’s income barely covered their basic needs, leaving no room for educational expenses. They just stretch Edgardo’s earnings to meet their daily essentials.
The 4Ps program became their lifeline. Using their first 4Ps grant, Hebeliza purchased the school’s needs, food, and vitamins for their children. She also took proactive steps to supplement their income. Through her savings, she purchased a cellphone to start a small e-loading business, she rolled the income until she was able to purchase a goat and a pig for fattening. She later opened a sari-sari store, which continues to operate today. The family also started raising more livestock, including goats, chickens, and pigs, to provide additional income.
Despite their struggles, the Flores family’s unity and resilience became their greatest assets. They divided the labor and household chores to ensure everything was managed well. Each family member contributed, making it possible to face their challenges together.
When the pandemic struck, the family faced another hurdle as some members were affected. Hebeliza took charge, using their resources to support them temporarily. Hebeliza said the program greatly helped them during those survival times. Additionally, Hebeliza underwent surgery last year due to her acute goiter which drained all their savings.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Despite the challenges, the children prioritized their education. The family’s hard work, and dedication plus the opportunities provided by the 4Ps started yielding results. Their eldest son, Kenneth, graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering with the help of their aunt who supported him on the condition that he would later help his siblings, too. True to his word, Kenneth began supporting his siblings’ education after securing a good job abroad.
On the other hand, the second child Kim, 26, graduated with a degree in Criminology while Khyrvin, 22, is in his second year of BS in Electrical Engineering. Klyster, 20, is currently a third-year BS Criminology student, and their youngest, Kissy Edgar, 19, is pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management.
The family’s financial stability grew alongside their educational successes. They availed of a housing benefit from the hacienda, enabling them to own a sturdy home in a safe and strategic location in Barangay Guadalupe. The family, with Kenneth’s assistance, has also invested in real property in Cebu with ongoing constructions.
Through the FDS sessions, they gained valuable insights into financial management, family dynamics, and community involvement. These lessons empowered them to save for future needs and priorities.
INSPIRATION
The Flores family is now a living testament to their community. Edgardo serves as a barangay tanod (village watchman) while Hebeliza advocates for women’s and children’s rights as a member of the Women’s Association in their barangay. The family believes that their story inspired their other neighbors as they knew what the family has been through by achieving change, stability, and success from survival to self-sufficiency.
“Keep striving and trust your family to overcome difficulties together,” Hebeliza advises other families facing hardships, too.
The Flores family’s story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, unity, and opportunities provided by the 4Ps program. Their journey of change is not just about economic progress but also about strengthening family bonds, fostering education, and inspiring their community. Indeed, the Flores family has become a beacon of hope, proving that with determination and support, a brighter future is within reach.
(Prepared by: San Carlos staff Julieta P. Abante and Melquisedec G. Galve of Negros POO1)
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