Former 4Ps monitored child serves DSWD6 in gratitude to gov’t support
Testimony by Roshenel June T. Vicente
DSWD6-DRMD staff
Former monitored 4Ps child
LA PAZ, Iloilo City (Pangarap) -I am Roshenel June T. Vicente, 23 years old, currently residing in Lapuz, Iloilo City. I am the eldest of three children of Shirley and Ronel Vicente. Our family has been a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program since 2012.
My father works as a salesman in this city, earning a minimum wage while my mother, despite having a hearing impairment, supplements her income by making and selling native delicacies and also works as an on-call babysitter of our relative.
My educational journey started at Bo. Obrero Elementary School, where I completed my primary education as an achiever. I continued my secondary education at Jalandoni Memorial National High School, consistently performing well academically. I then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration at Iloilo City Community College and graduated with flying colors as a Magna Cum Laude. Because my tuition was free, my parents were less burdened financially and only needed to ensure that my daily allowance and school project expenses were provided.
Being a beneficiary of the 4Ps for 13 years has had a profound impact on my family, especially on me and my two siblings, by supporting our educational and health needs. The program not only sustained my secondary education but also assisted me financially throughout my college studies.
May 2015 was one of the most challenging yet memorable moments for me as a 4Ps beneficiary, as I was selected to represent La Paz District in the Search for 4Ps Exemplary Children in Iloilo City Level. Although I did not make it to compete at the Iloilo Provincial level, this experience marked the beginning of a journey that allowed me to showcase my potential and talents to my school and community.
Come May 2025, I joined the Cash-for-Work Program in our school offered by the DSWD6 KALAHI-CIDSS from May to August 2025 while also preparing for my graduation. After which I received a recommendation to serve as Administrative Aide IV in the Administrative Division – Property and Supply Section; in January 2026, I was transferred to the Disaster Response Information and Management Section (DRMD), maintaining the same position.
As the eldest child, I play an important role in helping my parents, supporting my younger siblings so they can continue their studies and also finish college. My second sibling, Shiron Jun, is currently in the first year of college and studying at the University of the Philippines, Miag-ao Campus. Taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy My youngest sibling, Ronshi James, is in Grade 12 at St. Augustine School of Nursing – Iloilo. I am proud that I have been able to help my parents meet the needs of our family.
The DSWD6 and the 4Ps have been the means for me to achieve my life goal of finishing my studies and having a good job. I understand that being a member of the program has its limits, which is why, since our family became part of it, we have used all the knowledge my mother gained from the monthly FDS and the grants we received in the right way.
Our household is still an active beneficiary of the program though I believe that after my family graduates from the program this year, we will be able to stand on our own by helping each other, and I will continue to be a role model not only to my family but also to the community where I live. (Submitted by City Link Leslie M. Sandoval, La Paz District, Iloilo City, Iloilo POO) mgc