Transformation of a 43-year old Newly Graduate 4Ps Mom

Testimony of Regina Macero Plato
4Ps Beneficiary

BANATE, ILOILO – Graduating from college at the age of 43 is a remarkable achievement that reflects determination, resilience, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning.

I am Regina Macero Planto, a mother of seven children from Brgy. Pabulayan, Managopaya, Banate, Iloilo. I am married to Joevanie, a hardworking man who drives “habal-habal” motorcycle and takes on construction jobs just to help provide for our family.

To augment my husband’s daily income, I also work as a manicurist. There was a time when every door felt locked – to education, to opportunity, even to hope. But I found my key in persistence, in 4Ps, in the hands of my husband and children.

Before we became part of the 4Ps program, life was extremely difficult. We survived with whatever little we had. But when 4Ps entered our lives over 14 years ago, things began to change. 4Ps gave us hope. It supported us in our daily needs, especially for the children-food, school allowance, medicine. It lightened the burden we carried. I feel so blessed to be part of this program because of its support, I found the courage to dream again.

BACK TO SCHOOL

I enrolled in college before I got married, pursuing a Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Home Economics and Livelihood but due to financial hardships, I had to stop. I chose to prioritize my growing family but the dream of finishing school never left me. I told myself, “I need to continue my education because of our poverty. If I don’t take action, how will we solve our problems? What will happen to our seven children? If I didn’t move forward, how would they? Those are the questions that lingering in my mind. That’s why I chose to return to school, despite the many challenges.

In June 2021, during the pandemic, I re-enrolled at the Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) through modular learning. At that time, my youngest child was just two years old. I balanced school, housework, motherhood, and my work as a manicurist to fund my school expenses. It was incredibly difficult. I had to adjust to a new curriculum, too. But I didn’t stop. I had to keep going for my family and for myself. My husband stood by me. He took on more work-construction, farming, driving just to support us while I focused on school. He even attended Family Development Sessions (FDS) and 4Ps-related activities on my behalf. During the 2024 Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) assessment, he shared how my persistence inspired him to become a better husband and father. That touched me deeply.

In July 2024, God tested us when one of our daughters, experienced early pregnancy. She gave birth prematurely but tragically, the baby didn’t survive. That was one of the most painful experiences of my life. I stayed with her in the hospital, trying to comfort her and manage my own grief- while still keeping up with my modules, classes, and responsibilities but still I continued. I didn’t let it break me because I knew I had to be strong, not only for myself, but for my entire family.

Behind every diploma lies a story of love, pain, and deep sacrifice. Mine is no exception. My greatest motivation is my children. They have seen how I never gave up, and now they’re following in my footsteps. My eldest daughter, Jerene, is a second-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student at ISUFST and a Dean’s Lister. She will be recognized for her achievements tomorrow (June 3). My second child, Jaztine, is a first-year Bachelor of Religious Education student, currently studying under Doane Baptist scholarship. My third daughter Joy, who faced a tough chapter in her life, is continuing her education and now in Grade 11. Our younger children -Jee-Ann (Grade 9), Jero (Grade 5), Jimz (Grade 3), and Jana (Kindergarten) – are also in school and doing well. I know that one day, all of them will earn their own college degrees, because they witnessed how their mother never gave up.

PAY BACK

This Thursday (June 5, 2025), I will walk across the stage to receive my diploma. Many media outlets are reaching me to share my journey on air. But when they asked me what is my greatest dream after graduation? I told them that I want to work in DSWD, especially with the 4Ps program. I want to serve and give back to the same program that helped uplift our family. I’ve already begun that mission by becoming a Resource Person during Family Development Session (FDS), sharing my experience with other parents and encouraging them to keep fighting for their dreams, for their children, for their future.

“I want to repay the help we received from 4Ps. If I’m given the opportunity, I want to serve the program – to bring hope to others who are still struggling. People have asked me, “You’re already a mother and in your 40s, why are you still studying?” I always answer to them: “If you are a degree holder, you have an edge. You can choose the job you want. The job won’t choose you. I’m a positive person. I never saw my age as a hindrance. Everything I’m doing is for my children, for my parents, and one day, for others who might need my help.”

Lastly, my household will always be thankful to the 4Ps program. It eased our burdens at home, especially for the children’s education and well-being. Their food, their allowance it’s all thanks to 4Ps. Now, I am ready to give back. Thank you, 4Ps. Thank you, DSWD. Thank you, everyone. (Submitted by Banate MOO, Iloilo POO).

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