A solo mother works as a tricycle driver to support her four children

Testimony by Diovick Barela
4Ps Parent Leader President

BATAD, Iloilo (Pagbabago) – I am Diovick Barela, 38 years old, a solo parent with four daughters. I am an active beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and currently serve as the President of the Parent Leaders’ Association in our community.

Before sharing my achievements, I would like to present the challenges I have faced in life. Like many beneficiaries of the program, I have experienced numerous trials and hardships.

However, I firmly believe in the saying, “Let them judge you. Use it as inspiration to become stronger.” This belief guided me as I faced life’s difficulties with courage and determination. I raised my four children on my own after separating from their respective fathers.

This circumstance is not something I am ashamed of, as it is a reality I accepted with responsibility and strength. Despite the judgments and challenges, I chose to turn my experiences into motivation to persevere and move forward.

As a solo parent, I assumed both parental roles. I became not only a mother but also a father to my children. When I became fully responsible for them, my youngest child was only two years old, while the others were in elementary and kindergarten levels. Providing for their daily needs was a constant challenge, but I reminded myself that “Hard work and resourcefulness will eventually lead to better days.”

To support my family, I obtained small loans and established a small sari-sari store and carenderia. My daily routine began as early as three o’clock in the morning to prepare food for sale. After sending my children to school, I managed my business alone. When sales were slow, I found alternative ways to earn income by selling food in schools, tricycle terminals, and public places. I also sold snacks, ice candy, grilled food, and other items to maximize earnings.

During times when income from my small business was insufficient, I worked as a tricycle driver to earn additional funds for my children’s daily school allowance. My life during those years required double effort. Despite gradual progress, the COVID-19 pandemic caused my livelihood to close, and my family once again experienced severe hardship. However, instead of losing hope, I decided to take advantage of new opportunities that emerged during this period. With the implementation of free modular and online learning by the Department of Education, I enrolled in Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED), majoring in Home Economics.

Although I initially doubted myself due to my age and the gap between me and my younger classmates, I realized that the pandemic gave me a chance to pursue dreams I was unable to achieve in my youth. I remained motivated by the hope that one day, my children would be proud of me. While studying, I also engaged in online selling, offering Do It Yourself (DIY) flower pots, cooked food, fish, vegetables, and frozen goods. During this time, I successfully balanced my responsibilities as a student, provider, and parent.

In 2023, I was blessed to become a 4Ps beneficiary. The financial assistance provided by the program greatly helped my family. Through the grants, I was able to purchase essential learning tools such as a laptop and a mobile phone for my children and use part of the assistance as capital for my livelihood activities. Beyond financial support, the 4Ps program ensured my children’s health and education, giving them opportunities to grow and succeed. My children are currently honor students and actively participate in school activities. Through the program, they were also able to access scholarship opportunities offered by their schools.

The Family Development Sessions (FDS) significantly contributed to my growth as a parent and individual. Through FDS, I learned effective parenting, proper budgeting, and healthy communication within the family. Because of my active participation, I was appointed as a Parent Leader in our barangay. I later served as Vice President, and in 2024, I was elected as President of the Parent Leaders’ Association under the 4Ps. As a Parent Leader, I actively participate in community and local government activities, seminars, and events. Through these experiences, I developed leadership skills and built strong relationships with fellow Parent Leaders, whom I now consider not only colleagues but family.

At present, I remain an active 4Ps beneficiary and continue serving as President of our association. Through the program’s assistance, I was able to sustain my children’s education. My eldest child is currently a second-year college student taking up Tourism, my second child is in Grade 11 Senior High School with honors, my third child is in Grade 7, and my youngest child is in Grade 4.
I have also completed my degree in BTLED–Home Economics and recently took the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Although I did not reach the passing score, I remain proud of my effort and performance, having obtained an average of 72.40. I am confident that on my next attempt, I will achieve my goal, and when that time comes, the 4Ps will be part of that success.

All that I have achieved today is the result of perseverance, patience, strong faith in God, belief in myself, and above all, my deep love for my children. Throughout my journey in facing life’s challenges and overcoming poverty, the 4Ps has been a constant source of support and hope for my family. At present, I am employed in our barangay as a Barangay Health Officer and serve as a volunteer at the Rural Health Unit, continuing my commitment to serve the community while striving for a better future for my children.

With heartfelt gratitude, I sincerely thank the 4Ps and all the institutions and individuals behind its implementation. The program has been a vital source of support for my family, especially for me as a solo parent, by providing financial, health, and educational assistance that sustained my children’s needs and enabled me to complete my degree. Beyond the material aid, 4Ps strengthened my values, enhanced my parenting and leadership skills and empowered me to face life’s challenges with determination and hope.

As I prepare for another attempt at the LET and continue serving my community, I proudly share this journey and every future success with the 4Ps which has been an essential part of our path toward a better life. (Submitted by Ayanna Nikka A. Guiñez, ML-Batad MOO, Iloilo POO)