Testimony by: Laiza Marie L. Buelos

4Ps Beneficiary

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – I am Laiza Marie L. Buelos, the eldest of three siblings, living in Brgy. Dayao here with our parents, Rolando and Ma. Elma Buelos. My father worked as an all-around laborer, while my mother sold banana and camote cue to make ends meet.

Life wasn’t easy growing up. I still remember the many times my parents had to borrow money from relatives just so we could get by. In 2009, our family was fortunate to be selected as a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). We were deeply grateful because the program helped ease our daily struggles, especially when it came to education and healthcare. With the support of 4Ps, we no longer had to shoulder everything on our own. Whenever my mother received our cash grants, she would spend wisely prioritizing our basic needs while also setting aside a small amount to support our growing street food business.

This initiative helped us generate an additional source of income, reducing our reliance solely on the program. My siblings and I also helped our mother sell goods during our free time. While doing so, I reminded myself of my ultimate goal which is to finish my education, become a licensed teacher, and lift my family out of poverty.

To support my studies, I worked as a tutor. The experience taught me patience and compassion, a skills I carry with me as an educator. I often offered free tutoring services and never asked for high pay, because for me, the true reward was seeing children learn and grow. Teaching is a calling and a blessing I’m grateful to share.

We were all diligent students, motivated by our parents’ unwavering support and guidance. My younger sisters have been consistent “With Highest Honors” awardees from elementary to high school, while I also consistently graduated with honors.

On March 17, 2024, a lifelong dream came true, I officially became a Licensed Professional Teacher after passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers, a year after graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Elementary Education from Capiz State University – Dayao Satellite College. It was an overwhelming moment of joy and gratitude. We knew that God had never left our side. What was once just a dream had finally become reality.

Achieving this was no easy feat, especially given our financial struggles and the fact that my siblings were also in school. It was this need that made us part of the 4Ps program. Through it all, we stayed hopeful and committed. We knew we each had something to contribute to the world.

Every person we meet has a story and I hope mine inspires others to keep striving, too. Life isn’t easy, especially without education. Studying may take years, but giving up on a dream can cost a lifetime.

I will always be grateful to the 4Ps program and its staff especially Ma’am Bhea O. Inosantos for the support and guidance they provided. Through the Family Development Sessions (FDS), we learned valuable lessons that continue to guide us in our daily lives.

Today, I am proud to serve as a teacher at St. Mary School, a private institution in Roxas City. I also work part-time as an online tutor for a Korean school in the evenings. Slowly but surely, I am turning the dreams I once held into reality. (Submitted by: Roxas City, Capiz POO / Revised and Edited by: Paul Andrie A. Farrol, West Visayas State University Intern)