Testimony by: Akiesha Kate Dequilla

Guimaras 4Ps Exemplary Child Provincial Winner

NUEVA VALENCIA, Guimaras – I am Akiesha Kate G. Dequilla, a 13-year-old girl from Sitio Dawo, Barangay Calaya, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. I came from a simple family living a quiet life in our small community, but my dreams have always been bigger than the place I grew up with.

I am currently a Grade 8 student of Calaya National High School, an ordinary student with an extraordinary determination. I strive to excel in both academics and extracurricular activities, and as a monitored 4Ps beneficiary, I carry the responsibility of proving that challenges in life can become stepping stones toward success.

I grew up in a family raised with love and care. Growing up, I have seen the hardships and struggles of my father being a sales agent and how devoted my mother is as a housewife. Their sacrifices taught me the value of humility, perseverance, and gratitude.

Being the second child among three siblings, I always remind myself that every achievement I reach is not only for myself, but also for my family who continues to believe in me. Despite poverty, our parents have always encouraged us to pursue our dreams with their support. Our family were lucky enough when we became beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipinong Program (4Ps), the cash grants were of great help especially for our educational expenses.

Ever since elementary, I’ve shown dedication to my studies and to the goals I wanted to achieve—especially to my dream of becoming an architect. I want to build not only structures, but also a better future for my family and community. One of the most unforgettable milestones in my journey was when I represented Calaya National High School in the Municipal Search for Exemplary 4Ps Children.

Standing on that stage, I felt both nervous and excited. But deep inside, I knew that I was not just representing myself, I was representing my family, my school, my barangay, and every child who works hard despite life’s hardships. When I was announced as the Champion, it felt like my dreams were starting to take flight.

The victory brought me to the Provincial Search, where I strengthened my advocacy called “Kabalikat Project.” This project promotes peer tutoring to help struggling learners a cause very close to my heart. I believe that no learner should be left behind, and that sometimes all it takes to change a life is one person willing to help.

Through my advocacy, I want to encourage kindness, unity, and shared responsibility among students. With God’s guidance and the support of my teachers, family, and community, I was honored to be declared as the Provincial Champion for Exemplary 4Ps Children 2025. I also received minor awards such as Best in Interview, Best in Scrapbook, and Best in Talent. These achievements were not just awards—they were reminders that passion, determination, and grit can lead to triumph. This also motivated me to do more and go out my comfort zone, in helping my fellow youth and students.

My journey continued as I represented the beautiful province of Guimaras in the Regional Search for Exemplary 4Ps Children. I gave everything I had, and though I placed 4th, I walked away filled with pride. Because winning is not always about the medal it’s about the courage to try, the lessons learned, and the people you inspired along the way. After the competition, I was chosen along with my fellow provincial winners to attend the National Youth Congress in Manila last November 17-21, 2025.

Exemplary children from all over the country attended the said congress. There, we talked about children’s rights, youth empowerment, and our important role in shaping the future of our nation. Being surrounded by passionate and talented youth opened my eyes to how powerful young people can be when given with support, guidance, and opportunities.

My journey is far from over. I will continue to chase my dream of becoming an architect. I will continue to be a role model to my siblings and other children in my community. And I will continue to believe that even a simple girl from a small barangay can shine on any stage local, provincial, regional, or even national through hard work, faith, and determination.

I will be always thankful to my family, our Municipal Links, the entire DSWD family for this opportunity that was given to us. We will always cherish and remember this experience in a lifetime. This is my story. A story of hope. A story of perseverance. A story of a young girl who dreams not just for herself, but for her family and for her community. And my journey has just begun.

(Prepared by: France Niño B. Cadao) mgc