No Golden Spoon, just a Golden Dream

Testimony of Cherryiel Bree V. Sarabia
Former 4Ps beneficiary

NEW WASHINGTON, Aklan (Pagbabago) – Sharing with you the story of Cherryiel Bree V. Sarabia, a Municipal Area Coordinator of KALAHI-CIDSS in this municipality. Growing up, she was not raised with a golden spoon. Before their family became a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, life was simple and oftentimes difficult, there were days when food was barely enough, and she would walk to school because there was no other means. Yet, despite these hardships, she carried with her an unwavering dream: to pursue education and build a better future. From elementary to high school, she has strived to excel and became an achiever. But challenges did not stop coming. When the pandemic struck, it became even more difficult to continue her studies.

The need for a stable internet connection and resources was overwhelming. Still, she held on, fueled by determination and faith. One of the greatest blessings in her journey was when their family became part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This program became a strong pillar of support for them. With the assistance from 4Ps, she was able to continue her studies with hope and perseverance. Every hardship became fuel for her determination. Every sleepless night, every step she took on the road to school, every meal she had to skip, they became part of her story of resilience. And with the help of God’s grace, all of these sacrifices paid off.

She graduated as Magna Cum Laude at Aklan State University-New Washington Campus with the degree of Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education, and passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Today, she is serving as the Municipal Area Coordinator of KALAHI-CIDSS in this town, which a role that allows her to give back to the community that once supported her. As a Municipal Area Coordinator of KALAHI-CIDSS, she has personally witness how DSWD programs change the lives of the families they assist.

As a 4Ps beneficiary, she can say that this program did not only provide financial assistance but it opened doors to hope, discipline, and dreams. From her own experience, she has learned that poverty is not a barrier to success when you have determination and support from programs like 4Ps.

This achievement is not her alone. It is a shared victory with her family, community, and the programs that lifted them up when they were struggling. The 4Ps program did not just help her study; it gave her the chance to dream bigger and to believe that someone like her, who came from a simple family, can also reach great heights. To the 4Ps program, she will forever be thankful, for it gave light to her dreams and opened doors for her to provide social service to others. She believes that through education and the right support, she can change not only her own life but also the life of her entire family.

Her journey is a testimony that poverty is never a hindrance to success if you are armed with perseverance, faith, and gratitude. As she continues her work in social service, she has carried with her this mission: to inspire others and to serve as proof that no dream is too far for those who are willing to strive and believe. Truly, when you work hard, pray harder, and remain grateful, you will see how struggles can transform into triumphs.

(Submitted by New Washington MOO, Aklan MOO)