A HOME AWAY FROM HOME: 35 4Ps children pursue their studies through the “Balay Darayunan” temporary shelter at Aningalan Integrated Farm School (AIFS) in Barangay Aningalan here.
The Balay Darayunan, a temporary shelter built within the school premises, was established by AIFS to provide free accommodation for students from remote areas. The shelter, made of makeshift materials, serves as an intervention to minimize long-distance travel and reduce school dropout cases.
Currently, the Balay Darayunan houses 35 learners–all monitored 4Ps children from Barangay Bulan-bulan of the said town, located three to four hours’ walk from the school.
As part of the 4Ps’ Not Attending School (NAS) intervention campaign, the DSWD6-4Ps Antique Provincial Operations Office (POO), headed by Provincial Link Jeffrey G. Gabucay, spearheaded a convergence and community-driven effort to improve the facility. In September 2025, major repair works began with the help of parents, the Antique Pantawid Pamilya Riders Club (PPRC), and other community volunteers.
Angelica Gomez, a Grade 11 student and one of the Balay Darayunan residents, expressed her gratitude for the support.
“The Balay Darayunan gave us hope. It’s not just a second home, but it made us feel that we’re not alone in this journey,” she said adding that before she sleeps, she together with other residents often talk about their dreams.
“It’s comforting to know that we’re getting the support we need,” Angelica ended.
On his part, Ricardo T. Gomez, president of the Balay Darayunan Organization said the initiative eased their worries about their children’s safety.
“Before, we couldn’t sleep until we knew our children had arrived at school safely. Now, they have a rent-free and safe place to stay while studying,” he shared.
He added that Balay Darayunan was initiated way back 2021 but lack of amenities due to limited support from other stakeholders. This time he is thankful that it was revived into better and conducive place for learning.
The house blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the improved Balay Darayunan were led by 4Ps DC Belen P. Gebusion, PL Gabucay; School Head Jocelyn A. Gatila, and Balay Darayunan Organization President Gomez.
The event was one of the highlights of the Regional Convergence Committee (RCC) Field Visit and the Regional Independent Monitoring Committee (RIMC), showcasing the collaboration between DSWD 4Ps and partner stakeholders in enhancing the well-being of beneficiaries beyond program mandates.
The ceremony concluded with the turnover of home essentials –including dish organizers, trash bins, and laundry items–donated by the SM Foundation through the 4Ps Division- Regional Program Management Office.
The Antique POO would also like to thank the Provincial Social Welfare and Development office headed by Dr. Lazaro Petinglay, San Remigo LGU, San Remigio Municipal Operations Office, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Junior Chamber International, Quick Silver Brotherhood of Bikers, Bureau of Fire San Remigio, Philippine Army, SK Bulan-bulan, Bulan-bulan BLGU, Department of Health, and other private individuals, who extended their support through manpower, financial, and logistic. /mle