The feats of former children-beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) continue to spotlight the importance of 4Ps as the government’s flagship poverty-alleviation program that puts premium on keeping children at school and helping them realize their full potential, eventually breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty in their families.
Among these is the inspiring achievement of Clarence Nayve, a visually-impaired 4Ps beneficiary who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bicol University (BU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature degree.
Born with congenital glaucoma and eventually losing his sight completely at Grade 9, Clarence braved all difficulties and challenges that came his way.
“Kung mayroong 1,000 reasons para sumuko, mayroon tayong 1,001 na rason para magpatuloy,” Clarence said in an interview with local media.
Clarence recalled that on top of the support that he got from his loved ones, the practical aid he got from the 4Ps amplified his will to succeed.
In 2012, Clarence’s parents eventually got a helping hand from the government as their family was registered in the 4Ps. Since then, the 4Ps gave him educational grants to defray his school expenses, as well as health grants to support his medical needs.
Assistive technology also became the ally of Clarence who never backed down from day to day extensive reading, long walks, and writing tasks.
“My cellphone has a speech output feature so that I can listen to the contents. I pay attention to the texts and readings through my phone,” Clarence also shared during his media interview.
With Clarence finishing college successfully, he is a living example that when steady support meets dedication and hard work, nothing can get in the way of someone with huge dreams and infinite potential.
“To live in a world where the term “despite” will no longer be paired with “disability” when talking about the achievements of PWDs. A society where their feats are not deemed as exceptions, but as genuine expressions of their true potential,” Clarence said in a Facebook post describing the kind of world he wishes would soon take the footing.
First-ever college graduate
The same values could be picked up by the story of Laila de Viana, the first-ever college graduate from Manide community, an indigenous group native to Sitio Kalibigaho in Osmeña, Jose Panganiban in Camarines Norte.
After finishing a degree in Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education majoring in Food Service Management, Laila’s feat is more than a personal achievement, but a tribute to her community.
Laila described her journey as a hard-earned success propelled by a combination of determination, faith, and the support of 4Ps. “Nang dumating ang 4Ps sa amin, isa ito sa naging dahilan kung bakit muli akong nagkaroon ng pag-asa,” she said.
As recalled by Laila, she had to halt her studies back then as she had her children at a young age. The young mother, however, returned to studying as soon as she could, believing that setting an example was the greatest legacy she can give to her children.
“Nakapag-aral ang mga anak ko, at ako bilang isang ina, isang katutubo, ay naglakas-loob na bumalik sa paaralan,” Laila narrated.
In a society where Indigenous Peoples often face exclusion and misunderstanding, Laila stood tall. Her presence in a college classroom challenged stereotypes. “Hindi ito naging madali. Pero hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa. Ang 4Ps ang naging tulay para ituloy ko ang nasimulan kong pangarap,” she pointed out.
Looking ahead, she looks forward to passing her licensure exam and putting the knowledge she earned into practice.
Reflecting on the learning she picked up from the family development sessions (FDS) of the 4Ps, Laila reminds everyone that the assistance received through 4Ps should not be taken for granted but maximized as an investment in education, empowerment, and long-term change.
Passionate Achiever
Like Clarence and Laila, Jireh Flavio is a 4Ps beneficiary who transformed his hardships into honor.
Last June 2024, Jireh graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Information Systems from West Visayas State University (WVSU).
His narrative, now shared through an emotional first-person essay posted on the official Facebook page of DSWD Field Office – Western Visayas, continues to inspire thousands across the region.
“I am a graduate and a witness to what happens when a system like 4Ps is met with faith, family, and ferocious willpower,” Jireh said in his essay, highlighting the crucial help he got from the 4Ps so he can write his story to success.
Being the 8th in a brood of 10 from Panay Bukidnon Indigenous People in Iloilo, Jireh’s family was beyond blessed to be a part of the program.
The 4Ps provided them with monthly financial assistance for food, school supplies, and vitamins. Beyond the material aid, the program also gave them dignity and direction. Through the FDS, his mother learned about hygiene, nutrition, parenting, and the long-term value of education.
Jireh’s educational journey was no stranger to financial difficulties but he pushed through with the support he received and the will to rise above poverty. As soon as he began high school, the young Jireh bravely stepped into the neighboring town, lived under the roof of his aunt in exchange of doing housework and endured the life of a working student.
Even at the time of the pandemic, he was further motivated as the 4Ps stood by him, providing load allowances, hygiene kits, and food packs. All of this helped his family get through lockdowns and kept him connected to learning.
To survive college, Jireh jumped into a stint as ghostwriter, taking in academic essays, speeches, reaction papers, and even love letters just to earn a few pesos.
His undeterred resolve to build a brighter future eventually walked him to the stage as a Magna Cum Laude graduate where he also received WVSU’s Campus Hero and Service Award. It was a colossal recognition in honor of his academic excellence and his deep commitment to serve others.
Today, Jireh is a mentor, an advocate, and a living symbol of how the 4Ps can break intergenerational poverty and build lasting opportunity.
“I return to our home not as a lost son, but as a servant-leader. I mentor and help others find scholarships. I speak to break the silence around rural poverty and Indigenous struggles,” Jireh shared.
Launched in 2008 and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps is the Philippine government’s flagship anti-poverty strategy. Under the 4Ps, eligible households are given conditional cash grants for their children’s education, health and nutrition. (LSJ)