4Ps family becomes IPs community inspirationCALINOG, ILOILO – Strategically located in central part of the island of Panay, the town of Calinog of this province is believed to be the resettlement place chosen by Indigenous Peoples called Panay Bukidnon.
In the heart of this town situated Barangay Alibunan where the gentle breeze mingled with the laughter of children, lived Clarito family, a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and IPs member.
The family’s journey was a testament to resilience and the power of hope that transformed by hardship and dedication. Their success story becomes an inspiration of many especially to the IPs community.
Just a few years ago, the family lived in a house made of frail bamboo, a structure barely standing against the harsh elements but when Typhoon Yolanda struck, it left nothing but only remnants of their home. This made couple Lowella and Anecito’s heart heavy with despair. But within them, a flicker of determination ignited – to start again from the scratch.
The couple worked tirelessly as farm laborer under scotching heat just to feed their growing family. As a 4Ps grantee, Lowella, a received cash grants aiming to improve their lives for better. This financial support, although modest, became a beacon of hope for the entire family.
Lowella knew that if she was to turn their situation around, she had to meticulously plan and manage every peso. With unwavering resolve, she began to budget diligently, tracking every expense while focusing on essential needs like food, education, and savings. Every month, Lowella would set aside a small portion of her grant for savings, dreaming of a better home. She made sacrifices, learned to cook nutritious meals from the simplest ingredients, and encouraged her children to embrace their studies, instilling in them the understanding that education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Despite the challenges they faced, their family shone brightly with aspirations and accomplishments. Their eldest daughter, Lona Jine, had just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, majoring in English, earning the distinguished title of Magna Cum Laude from West Visayas State University- Calinog campus. This year, she had embarked on a new journey, starting her first job as a call center agent, eager to support her family in every way she could.
Lona Jine’s success was not just a personal triumph but a source of inspiration for her siblings. Her younger sister, Kristel, followed closely in her footsteps, a diligent student currently pursuing a degree in Secondary Education at the West Visayas State University- Lambunao Campus. Her ambition of graduating with flying colors, too. She often spent evenings studying, often in the company of her excited younger brother, Arjohn, who had just begun his college journey at the same university whose passion for table tennis making him a popular figure on campus. The youngest of the family, Anecito III, was a spirited sixth grader at Banban Elementary School. With dreams as vast as his family’s love, he was a bundle of energy, often found sharing stories of his day, his laughter echoing through their home.
PARTICIPATION
Their humble income as farm laborers, the Clarito family exemplified perseverance and careful planning. Through the cash grants, they had managed to save an amount in the Rural Bank of Calinog-a testament to their commitment to a stable future. The family also owned four carabaos, each distributed to the children, symbolizing both responsibility and a foundation for financial security in agriculture. These animals were not merely livestock; they represented their hopes for a better livelihood and were integral to their farming efforts.
The family’s involvement in the Calinog Pantawid Association – Kinot Supot Program was crucial to their journey. This program encouraged them to save and invest, teaching them the values of financial literacy and community support. The program is initiated by the Calinog Municipal Social Welfare and Development Head, Merly C. Delfin alongside with KSP coordinator, Jocile C. Aranza. Through it, they found a network of like-minded families, each sharing their dreams and challenges. Lona Jine, as a recipient of the Bulig Eskwela Program, benefited from additional support, which reinforced the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
The community began to notice Lowella’s determination and resourcefulness. Her neighbors, once filled with despair, found hope in her journey and sought her advice on budgeting and saving. Lowella organized small meetings in her home, sharing her financial methods and encouraging other families to make the difficult choices that would lead to lasting change. She became a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for others to follow.
In their newly built home, the atmosphere began to shift. The semi-concreted walls stood as a testament to their hard work, providing a safe haven for their children-places where they could study without worry, dream without fear, and grow with a sense of security. But it wasn’t just the physical structure that changed; it was the their behavior and well being.
Years passed, Lowella being an active beneficiary became known as a paragon of virtue. Her efforts garnered respect and recognition, establishing her not just as a survivor but as an architect of her destiny. In her heart, Lowella carried the lessons of the past the fragility of life and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to dream and fight for a better tomorrow. She had turned adversity into opportunity, showing that with determination and prudent planning, one could rise from the ashes, transforming despair into hope.
As she looked around at her family, comfortable in their semi-concreted home, Lowella knew that the journey was far from over. There were still dreams to chase and goals to achieve. But one thing was certain: their lives had changed forever, and in that change, they had found strength, purpose, and, most importantly, each other.
Lowella said she has helped the program reached the objective by empowering her community. Their family is now self-sufficient or level III. (Written by ML Francis C. Diaz, Calinog MOO, Iloilo POO)
#BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD