The month of December is for the celebration of holiday festivities.

But for Mary Rose Hermosura from Tondo, Manila, her preparation for the season quickly turned into one of the most challenging periods of her life.

On December 15, 2024, Mary Rose’s mother was rushed to the Philippine Heart Center and was diagnosed with a ruptured aneurysm. What followed was a whirlwind of decisions, emotions, and a staggering hospital bill that loomed over their already weary family.

“So, that time po, malaki kaagad yung hinihingi sa aming down payment. Na-surgery na po siya, nalagyan siya ng stent dahil po doon sa nangyaring pagputok ng ugat nya sa utak. During recovery po, nagkaroon sya ng second stroke, na which is ‘yun po ang nakapagpalala nung sitwasyon niya kaya po hanggang ngayon nasa ICU kami,” Mary Rose narrated during an interview with the newest DSWD online program, ‘AICS Chronicles.’

Visitation was limited to an hour a day. And every day Mary Rose made the trip back and forth to the hospital to ensure that the needs of her mother were attended to.

“Kapag po may kailangan lang, tatawag po ang taga-ICU para babalik po ako ganun po,” Mary Rose explained.

The emotional toll was heavy, but so was the financial burden. The piling costs of medicines and hospital care were too much to carry for Mary Rose.

Desperate for help, she held on to the advice of a fellow patient’s companion to seek help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

The AICS is one of the social protection services of the DSWD that provides medical, burial, transportation, education, food, and financial assistance to individuals who are in crisis as assessed by social workers.

“Marami po kasi dito akong nakausap na mga bantay rin ng mga
pasyente. Yun po nasabi po nila sa akin na pwede akong lumapit sa DSWD para po makahingi po ng medical assistance so nag-try po ako na lumapit sa DSWD,” Mary Rose recalled.

Mary Rose immediately gathered the documents she needed and headed to the DSWD Central Office in Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

“Madali naman po, mabilis lang. Although may pila, pero mabilis lang naman po ang pag-process po. Basic din naman po yung tinatanong
nila kung bakit na-ospital ang mother ko, kung first time po ba na lumapit ako sa DSWD, mga ganun lang po yung mga tanong,” Mary Rose told AICS Chronicles.

After undergoing the standard process of the Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU), the office in-charge of the AICS program, Mary Rose received the good news that she was issued a guarantee letter amounting to
Php300,000 to pay for her mother’s hospital bill.

“Masaya po kami na natulungan kami sa ganoong kalaking halaga po. Malaking tulong po siya actually kung iba-base mo pero dun sa amount po nung hospital bill namin sapat na po kasi hindi ko po expect na ganito nga po ang ibibigay sa aking tulong eh,” Mary Rose shared.

Because of the financial assistance, Mary Rose was able to pay a significant portion of her mother’s hospital expenses.

“Masaya po kasi sa panahon po natin ngayon hindi mo alam kung saan mo pwedeng makuha yung halaga na naibigay po sa akin,” a beaming Mary Rose said.

Today, Mary Rose’s mother is finally home, slowly regaining strength, and surrounded by her loved ones.

“As of now okay naman po siya may improvement naman na po kahit papano kaya sana po mag tuloy-tuloy na rin po yung recovery ng mother ko,” Mary Rose said.

Despite the challenges, Mary Rose’s heart remains full of gratitude to the people who offered guidance and assistance, to the medical team who helped save her mother’s life, and to the DSWD for the medical
assistance.

AICS Chronicles is a new online program of the DSWD hosted by Mel Cabigting of the Digital Media Service (DMS). The program, which airs every other Monday via the DSWD Facebook page, features the real-life stories of individuals and families who were able to overcome financial challenges through the help of the agency’s AICS Program. (AKDL)

In March 2024, members of the Tumana Vegetable Farmers Association (TVFA) from Santa Maria, Bulacan received an unexpected blessing through the Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The 60 farmers were given 20 days to work on a project under LAWA at BINHI and were given cash for training and cash for work assistance.

According to the DSWD Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Focal Person Arman Jose Manuel, the 20 days were allocated to capacitate the farmers, followed by preparation of the land and the actual implementation. Also, part of the 20 days of work was planning for the sustainability of the project.

“Sa first three days po meron kaming tinatawag na cash for training, cash for work. Sa three days po na yun ay pinag-aralan kung paano magtanim, 4 to 18 days ay nilinis muna yung area and then magtatanim na ng halaman, gulay and then yung 18 to 20 days po ay pag-aaralan ulit ng beneficiaries kung paano natin i-sustain yung programa,” Focal Person Manuel said in an interview with the #Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP), the award-winning online documentary of the DSWD.

As part of the Project LAWA and BINHI, the farmers were given Php10,000 as cash for work/cash for training incentive for the 20 days that they worked to complete their project.

Rodolfo Dela Torre Jr, President of the TVFA, said that the amount helped the 60 farmer-members and their families in their basic needs. It also helped them in the education of their children.

Aside from the cash incentive, Rodolfo said the farmers learned essential knowledge in farming, especially on how to source out water supply for their farming needs. They also gained the much needed lessons on how to continue farming the right vegetables per season.

“Marami po kaming natutunan. Unang-una po kung paano magkaroon po kami ng source ng tubig dahil ang project nga po ay LAWA at BINHI. Tapos kung paano po mai-continue ang pagtatanim ng gulay. Napaka importante po dun ay yung natutunan po naming kung paano magtanim ng mga halaman na naayon sa panahon,” Rodolfo told the #(KPAP) team.

The project also became a platform for the government’s whole-of-nation-approach in providing interventions to those in need.

The TVFA farmers also received the needed farming assistance from the local government unit (LGU) of Santa Maria, especially from the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO).

Santa Maria Municipal Agriculturist Arnel Garcia has this to say: “Ang samahan po ng mga magsasaka po dito, may iba na nagtatanim po ng vegetables eh nakakakuha po ng libreng seeds pananim nila na gulay. Nakakakuha rin po sila ng fertilizer sa aming opisina, libre po.”

In addition, the farmers also benefited from water pump or irrigation facilities, as well as grass cutter which they can use in cleaning their farm land. The water pump and other irrigation facilities made efficient work of watering the farmers’ plants, enabling them to harvest their vegetable produce almost on a daily basis.

Previously, farmers rely solely on fetching water from the river for their plants. With the water pump and irrigation facilities, the farmers were able to dig and built a well, bringing the water source closer to their farm land.

Rodolfo said the project created a huge development in their lives, as their farming livelihood greatly improved compared to when they had yet to receive assistance. With a more accessible and stable water source, and the free provision of seeds, the farmers get to harvest around 100 sacks of vegetables, more or less, every 20 to 25 days.

Edgardo Tubale, TVFA Vice President, said the Project LAWA and BINHI positively affected his life, saying, “Malaking bagay po sa aming pagtatanim ng gulay kasi nakapagtapos po ako ng pag-aaral ng dalawang anak ko. Nakatulong din po siya sa amin kasi nung time na nagkasakit po ako nung sa kidney, nakagastos po kami ng malaki. Nagkautang ako. Yung kinita namin sa gulay naibayad ko.”

Both Rodolfo and Edgardo expressed the farmers’ gratitude to the DSWD and the LGU of Santa Maria for granting them their long-wished for assistance, which is now slowly but surely changing their lives for the better.

They also shared their joy in contributing to the food security program of the country as the farmers continue to harvest more vegetables.

“Kami po sa Tumana Vegetable Farmers Association ay lubos na nagpapasalamat dahil naramdaman po namin kung paano kami natulungan at saka yung ani po naming ay naise-share din po sa mga nangangailangan,” Rodolfo said.

The #KPAP is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS), which are under the Strategic Communications. It is hosted by TMS Director Aldrine Fermin and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (GDVF)

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

True to these famous words of South African President Nelson Mandela, the world of the David family has changed with the power of education made possible through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

For Nicole David, a former 4Ps monitored child, the program was pivotal in changing his life and that of his siblings, as they succeeded in overcoming obstacles in pursuing higher education.

“Kung hindi dahil sa tulong ng 4P’s siguro hindi ako nakatapos, hindi nakatapos ang pangalawa kong kapatid at hindi rin makakapag-aral yung pangatlo at bunso namin. Kasi I believe, kung ang isang miyembro ng pamilya, especially ang panganay is hindi nakapagtapos sa series ng generation nila, hindi rin sila makakatapos kaya sobrang laki ng tulong ng 4Ps,” Nicole told the team of #Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP), the DSWD’s award-winning online documentary.

Nicole is the eldest among the four children of Olimpia and Leonardo David of Magalang, Pampanga. Leonardo worked as a tricycle driver to support his family and send the children to school as best as he could. To make ends meet, Olimpia helps by working as a house help in their neighborhood.

Olimpia narrated to #KPAP: “Noon hindi pa po kami nakasali sa 4Ps, ang trabaho po ng asawa ko nagta-tricycle driver po siya, at kada pag uwi niya po, pinabibili ko yung kailangan namin. Pinapadalhan ko pa po siya ng listahan noon, nilalagyan ko ng (lista) sa bigas, sa ulam.”

Both Nicole and his younger sister, Nica Mae who was also a former 4Ps monitored child, attested to the struggles they experienced as a family and of being part of a poor household.

“Growing up, walang-wala talaga. The term is wala talaga, napakahirap in a way na may gusto kang kainin, hindi mo makain. May gusto kang bilhin, di mo mabili, may gusto kang mapuntahan, hindi mo mapuntahan. So, kumbaga, sakto lang na kung ano yung mapo-provide nila (Olimpia and Leonardo), yun ang pagtiyagaan mo. Kapag may sakit hindi mo alam kung saan ka pupunta para magamot,” Nicole further narrated.

The David couple did not finish their schooling, with Olimpia stopping upon graduating from elementary. They dream of seeing their kids graduate. A dream which was realized through the help of 4Ps, with their two children already college graduates and the other two still studying.

DSWD Field Office III Municipal Link (ML) Team Leader in Magalang, Clarita De Guzman, told #KPAP that the David couple has four children.

“May apat na anak sila (Olimpia and Leonardo) sina Nicole, Camille, Zyra Mae, Kylie Mae. Si Nicole ang kauna unahang nakareceive ng Expanded Student Grant In Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA). Sila po ang first batch na nakakuha po nun sa Pampanga State University (PSU) at ang nakukuha nila is P40,000 kada sem,” ML De Guzman said.

Nica Mae was a recipient of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) subsidies.

These scholarship opportunities were made possible to Nicole and Nica Mae as 4Ps monitored children who were priority target beneficiaries for such programs.

Leonardo happily stated “proud po ako sa kanila lalo na nag-graduate sila puro Cum Laude, lalo na yung isa nagtapos ng masteral. Ngayon naghahanap pa ng doctoral.”

Aside from the educational component of the program, the David couple also attributed their success in guiding their children to the lessons that they gained from the 4Ps Family Development Sessions (FDS).

“Sabi ko sa asawa ko ayusin namin ang buhay namin. Magtanim kami sa mga anak namin kasi wala kaming lupang tataniman hanggang ngayon po. Natatandaan po ng mga anak ko na mag-aral silang mabuti kasi lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila wala kaming ipapamana sa kanila kasi wala kaming pera,” Olimpia said.

Having graduated from college, Nicole is now a faculty member of the Blooming Field Academy Foundation Incorporated, and a supervisor for the junior high school department. He also holds the position of supervisor for the student affairs and services, as well as the supreme school council and faculty association consultant.

Nica Mae is also working at the Blooming Fields Academy Foundation as a primary school teacher.

Their academic achievements became their stepping stones in getting viable employment, and now, their current everyday life is so different from the days that they were struggling to have simple food on the table.

The David family is thankful to DSWD and 4Ps for the opportunity accorded to them. In finishing their studies, Nicole and Nica Mae have detoured from the path that their parents took. With good jobs, they have also broken their family’s poverty.

With a bright future ahead for the David family, Olimpia joyfully said: “Maraming-maraming salamat po dahil hindi po sayang yung binigay nilang tulong sa amin kasi nakapagtapos yung mga anak ko.”

Nica Mae also expressed her gratitude to the Lord for making the DSWD an instrument to help them finish their studies through the 4Ps program.

For his part, Nicole reminded children to never stop dreaming and striving for a better life, saying: “Gawin mo kung ano yung kaya mong gawin, magsumikap ka, mag aral ka ng maayos, kung kaya mong tumulong para sa mga magulang, tumulong ka pa, magpursige ka lang. Tandaan mo na hindi hadlang ang kahirapan para ikaw ay makapagtapos sa pag-aaral.”

The #KPAP is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS), which are under the Strategic Communications group. It is hosted by TMS Director Aldrine Fermin and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (GDVF)

The five Reyes children are now hands-on with the business that their mother, Catalina, built and managed through her hard work and perseverance until her demise in 2020 due to COVID-19.

A solo parent raising five children, Catalina Reyes became one of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries from San Simon, Pampanga in 2012. Later on, she became a parent leader and was active in all 4Ps activities.

San Simon Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) Head Everlita Baluyut recalled that Catalina was determined to provide for her family as she tried different small businesses.

Catalina experienced many failures but she never stopped looking for livelihood opportunities, according to the MSWDO.

“Although meron siyang mga negosyo na nag fail pero patuloy pa rin po siya na nagsubok kung anong negosyo ang maganda or nakikita niyang magiging successful siya,” MSWDO Baluyot told #Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP), the award winning documentary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The MSWDO chief admired the determination and diligence of Catalina in seeking ways to improve the status of her family.

The San Simon executive said it was also Catalina who inquired with the DSWD if she can qualify for the agency’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

According to DSWD SLP Focal Person Toni Mari Gutierrez, Catalina qualified for the livelihood program since she was a solo parent and the 4Ps cash grant was not enough for her family of six. As a result, she was given capital assistance.

Catalina’s daughter, Kiara, shared with the #KPAP: “Before po meron siyang tricycle nagse-service siya even kami po ah service niya sa school, tapos nuong napasok po siya sa DSWD 4Ps, tapos yung sa SLP, nabigyan po siya ng P10,000 (puhunan).”

Determination and mastery of making palatable sauces for various kinds of street food paved the way for the 2018 launch of the now successful business of the Reyes family known as the ‘Tiltilan Delicacies.’

“Yung family po namin ay mahilig po sa mga suka tapos napag isipan na why not gawin na lang din siyang business tapos yun nung nabigyan siya [Catalina] ng P10,000, naka-help po yun. Yun po yung ginawang pang-start up at nagtuloy tuloy po kasi nagustuhan ng mga tao,” Kiara narrated.

Katalina and her children worked hand-in-hand to make the sauces with sugarcane vinegar as the main ingredient.

The Tiltilan Delicacies became a family affair with the Reyes children helping Catalina from peeling garlic, cutting onions, grinding chili, to selling vinegar.

From initially selling five boxes containing 30 bottles of sauces, the Reyes family produced 100 boxes per production and earned as high as Php100,000 during the Christmas season, considered as the peak period for their business.

Karissa, another daughter of Catalina, narrated to #KPAP their journey in growing the business through online marketing via their Facebook accounts and by joining trade fairs.

“Nuon, kaunti lang po kaming mga gumagawa, minsan po yun mga friends yung kasama namin sa production ng suka. Nung lumalaki na po, kumukuha na po kami ng mga ka-member niya sa 4Ps everytime meron kaming production,” Karissa said.

In 2020, the Reyes family suffered a devastating loss as Catalina succumbed to COVID-19.

Catalina, however, left a lasting legacy of love to her family with the business she started from scratch and which now continues to thrive even in her absence.

Despite the loss, Catalina’s children always remember the sufferings and hard work of their mom in trying to give them the best possible future.

With tears in her eyes, Kiara said: “Sayang lang po na hindi niya naabutan na makapag-give back kami sa kanya kasi noon pong nawala siya parang nag-start pa lang po kasi kami noon, yung mga kapatid ko is saktong patapos pa lang po sa college. Pero thankful po kasi hindi po kami lalaking ganito kundi sa kanya.”

Karissa also expressed her gratitude to her mom who sacrificed for them and explored all possible means to improve their lives. She likewise thanked the DSWD for 4Ps, and especially for the SLP which granted her mother the opportunity to be a successful entrepreneur.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa SLP kasi binigyan po ng opportunity yung mama namin na makapagsimula po ng ganitong business dahil po doon ay nakapagtapos kaming mga magkakapatid,” Karissa stressed.

The #KPAP is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) which are under the Strategic Communications. It is hosted by Director Aldrine Fermin of the TMS and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (GDVF)

Members of the Sitio Atik Farmers Association, Inc. worked in unity to build their most cherished Small Farm Reservoir (SFR) atop a mountain in their village that is now their source of income providing food on the table for their families

A community in Caba town in La Union continues to benefit from a small farm reservoir (SFR) made through the Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Climate change has brought many adverse changes in the community and the locals are aware that they will continue to feel these in the coming days.

Among its devastating effects is the El Nino phenomenon where there is extreme drought, causing the soil to dry and crops to die.

A mountain in Barangay Liquicia, one of the town’s villages, now holds a treasure that farmers and community members hold dear.

This is their cherished SFR project that was built through the DSWD’s Project LAWA and BINHI which is the agency’s risk resiliency initiative in communities nationwide that are most affected by drought and climate change.

DSWD Field Office 1- (Ilocos Region) Disaster Risk Resiliency Program Field Office (DRRPO) staff Justine Ray Ferrer shared with the #Kwento ng PagAsa at Pagbabago (KPAP), the DSWD’s award-winning online documentary: “Mayroong effects yung climate change which is yung El Nino so nag come-up po ng ganitong project through LAWA at BINHI. Para masolusyunan yung kakulangan sa tubig at yung food scarcity, gumawa po ng SFR ang bayan ng Caba at communal garden para po solusyunan yung mga ganun na krisis na pwede ma-encounter pa po ng ating mga beneficiaries.”

The farming community worked hand in hand to make the SFR project a reality.

Members of the Sitio Atik Farmers Association, Inc. and other community members worked tirelessly and with full dedication for 18 days to make the man-made spring that became the source of water for their farm crops and communal garden.

A beneficiary, Glenn Farro, said the community members worked from July 1 to July 18 (2024) to finish the project, where he learned the value of unity and cooperation.

The place was full of wild grasses and needed digging for the completion of the reservoir or “bukal.” The workers who built the reservoir received Php8,700 as wages which they were also grateful for.

The 4,000-square meter land where the reservoir was built is owned by Roel Farro, a member of the community who gladly lent his property free of charge for 10 years.

“Masaya po na nakakatulong tapos may pandilig nang halaman, tapos may kabuhayan na din sila na naitulong din. Maraming salamat din sa mga kasamahan namin na tumulong dito kasi kung wala itong LAWA (project), wala ding pagkukunan ng tubig na pandilig sa mga tanim. Marami din pong salamat sa DSWD sa tulong nila,” Glen explained.

With the source of water already available, the communal garden in the barangay also thrived and yielded bountiful produce which helped the community members’ livelihood. Through the garden, they were able to plant various vegetable crops which also became their families’ source of food.

Sitio Atik Farmers Association Inc. President Melbert Quinones shared how the project helped them and taught them how to work together.

“Maraming naitulong ito kasi nagkaroon kami ng hanapbuhay, nagamit namin sa kagipitan, nagamit namin sa pangkabuhayan namin yung nakuha naming pera (sa pinagtrabahuhan). Akala namin di namin mabubuo kasi wala kaming gamit kundi pala lang at saka asarol. Akala namin di naming makakaya ng ilang araw pero kinaya rin dahil sa pagtutulungan namin,”Melbert gladly narrated to #KPAP.

The opportunities for development continue to build with the presence of adequate supply of water and the partnership of other agencies helping the community cope with the effects of climate change.

DRRP Officer Ferrer stressed the importance of collaborating with the local government unit (LGU) and other agencies like the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the completion, monitoring and further development of the LAWA and BINHI Project.

Presently, the farmers are looking forward for the fingerlings from the BFAR. The fingerlings will be put in the ‘lawa’ or man-made lake as an additional source of livelihood opportunities for the association members.

Caba Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) staff Christian Lozano said: “Nagrequest na po tayo sa BFAR after nuong matapos itong SFR nila. Nag-validate na din po ang BFAR dito at tinignan ang quality ng tubig. Nagfollow-up na din po tayo para sa fingerlings at nagsabi po silang hintayin na lamang daw po.”

The #KPAP is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS), which are under the Strategic Communications. It is hosted by TMS Director Aldrine Fermin and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (GDVF)

The Molina couple of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur never stopped making both ends meet for their three children.

Pastor Molina was a farmer while his wife Venecia occasionally worked as a house helper and took laundry jobs.

While exerting all efforts to make both ends meet, sending their children to school was still a struggle for the couple.

In 2009, Venecia attended an interview conducted by the government in their area. She did not know what it was for, but she was looking forward to any help from the government.

Later on, she found out that her family qualified for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and their lives gradually changed. All Venecia’s children became 4Ps monitored children.

Rafaelino Molina, the eldest child, told the #Kwento ng PagAsa at Pagbabago (KPAP) — the DSWD’s award-winning online documentary — that his father tried his best to provide as a farmer.

Rafaelino saw his father till the land but due to hardships, the earnings only went to pay off debts.

He added: “Bago pa maani, naipangutang na.”

Seeing this at an early age was what motivated Rafaelino to aim for a better future.

“Kahit bata pa po ako, naisip ko na sa future ayoko ng ganito. Pipilitin kong mag-aral kahit mahirap ang buhay para maibigay ko yung buhay na di ko naranasan nung bata ako sa future family ko,” Rafaelino explained.

Rafaelino’s sister, Krissana, shared that their parents need to borrow so that they can go to school. This changed when their family became a beneficiary of 4Ps.

Krissana said: “We are not lucky, but we are blessed to be chosen as Pantawid.”

DSWD Municipal Link Mark Jhayson Bader recalled: “Nuong dumating po iyong programa sa kanila, nagbigay po ito ng napakalaking daan upang sa gayon, yong pangangailangang pang edukasyon nila ay matulungan.”

Venecia said they were all happy and thankful to God and to the 4Ps for the program’s life changing assistance through the cash grants.

“Na-set aside na namin yung para sa eskwela, yung mga babayaran nila, tapos yung mga gastusin sa bahay. Tipid talaga. Pero hindi naman po yung wala na kaming ulam, nakakapag karne naman na din, lalo na nung nasali na kami sa 4Ps,” Venecia pointed out.

Aside from the cash grants, Venecia sees the Family Development Sessions (FDS) as significant to their success as a 4Ps family, especially as she learned to become the best parent possible through her learnings.

“Yung pagtrato sa mga anak, kung paano, para hindi sila lumaking walang alam, doon namin natutunan sa FDS. Kung paano sila ilapit sa Panginoon, naia-apply ko sa kanila yung mga napag-aaralan namin,” Venecia said.

She sees this as the reason why they are blessed to have intelligent, God-fearing, and kind children.

As monitored children, Rafaelo, Crisam, and Krissana recognized 4Ps as elemental in working toward achieving their dreams.

Krissa shared: “Bilang part po ng program, natuto po akong i-appreciate kung ano yung naitutulong ng program na gawin ang best ko para maging karapat-dapat na mapasali sa programa na may layuning tumulong sa mga bata, sa pamilyang may pangarap umangat sa buhay. Alam ko po sa sarili ko na may programang handang tumulong sa akin upang maabot ko iyong mga pangarap ko and graduating na po ako sa college. Hindi po naging madali pero dahil sa 4Ps kinaya po at malapit na din po akong matapos.”

According to Crisam, the Youth Development Sessions (YDS) conducted by 4Ps also helped them as they pursued their education.

He also wants to encourage the other 4Ps children to do their best.

“Importanteng magsikap sa pag-aaral kasi bilang lang ang napapabilang sa 4Ps. Pahalagahan nila ang opportunity na binigay sa kanila. Maging instrument into sa kanila para makapagtapos sa pag-aaral,” Crisam said.

Known as a monitored 4Ps child, Rafaelino graduated from college and passed the criminology licensure examinations.

Truly grateful for the program, Rafaelino said the program served as a backbone for his education, easing away worries about his schooling.

“Malaking tulong ang 4Ps kasi kumbaga nagkaroon ako ng backbone, may nakasuporta sa likod ko para makapag aral,” Rafaelino said.

As a way to show his gratitude for the government’s assistance, Rafaelino studied hard and encouraged all 4Ps children to do the same.

He added: “Parang simpleng way ko na lang yong pag-aaral ng mabuti para makapag give back sa mga binigay sa akin na suporta. Gusto ko lang I encourage sila na magkaroon ng pangarap sa buhay nila, lalo na sa katulad namin na nakaranas ng hirap. Nandito iyong gobyerno na handang tumulong sa amin para makamit namin yong mga pinapangarap namin and hopefully soon ay ako naman po iyong makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga kabataan po na nangangarap.”

The 4Ps is the government’s national poverty alleviation program that aims to end the intergenerational poverty by providing conditional cash grants intended for the education and health of children 0 to 18 years old.

The #KPAP is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS), which are under the Strategic Communications group. It is hosted by TMS Director Aldrine Fermin and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (GDVF)

Townsfolk from Barangay Alibangsay in Bagulin town in La Union had always wished for a cemented road to help them in their daily lives.

A mountainous and hilly community, villagers were forced to navigate an uneven path in their barangay, which becomes muddy during rainy days.

This community challenge ended when the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was introduced to the locality.

Through the KALAHI-CIDSS, a Php4.5 million project was implemented to improve the 315 linear meter access road at Sitio Purao in Barangay Alibangsay.

Anita Falancy, President of the Naguey Rural Improvement Organization, was one of those who still could not believe they finally had a cemented road in their area.

“Parang hindi kami makapaniwala na mangyayari ito sa amin, parang paano ba yon, ilang taon na na wala tayong kalsada. Kagaya ko siyempre, sa tanda kong ito, 64 na ako pero hindi ako makapaniwala. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa KALAHI at sila ang tumulong sa amin dito,” Anita told the DSWD’s award winning online documentary #KPAP or Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago.

This was affirmed by Kalahi-CIDSS volunteer Pilita Cario who recalled that the dream for the road had been passed on by their ancestors.

“Matagal na rin na inantay namin na dumating sa amin to (kalsada), matanda na yung lolo ko, namatay na wala pa, kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa inyo (DSWD),” Pilita pointed out.

Under the Kalahi-CIDSS, Barangay Alibangsay was able to successfully propose for the road improvement project which began in August 2024 and completed in November 2024.

DSWD Area Coordinator Manjeet Pintor shared that the residents of Barangay Alibangsay got the funding as they creatively presented their proposal by depicting their situation without the cemented road.

Manjeet explained: “Sa project po na nirequest o ginawan ng proposal ng community volunteers sa tulong ng ating area coordinating team, humigit kumulang na 310 linear meters po. Yung actual po na nagawa sa project ay 315 linear meters dahil ang sabi ng nangontrata ay dinagdagan niya ng another 5 meters baka kasi magkulang sa initial na estimate niya na sukat.”

The project seemed simple enough, but achieving it was a community effort. Anita said meetings were held in the community before they came up with the road improvement proposal which the residents badly needed.

Both Anita and Pilita shared that prior to the project, they had to traverse kilometers of uphill and downhill unpaved pathway in order to go to the town center. It was always a big challenge to trudge the difficult path, but the residents had no other choice.

Pilita said: “Mahirap talaga kasi dumaan dito papunta sa bayan. Doon sa may ilog pababa, karga-karga namin iyong mga produkto namin, babae man o lalaki ang nagbubuhat. Ang alam ko mga ten kilometers iyon.”

The improved road not only made transportation easier for the residents, but it also helped in their livelihood. Transporting vegetables is now easier as vehicles can pass through the road and some agents even go to their community to buy their products.

Gone were the days when residents had to carry sacks of vegetables on their backs and go up and down the hilly terrain just to sell them. Moreover, residents were encouraged to utilize the full expanse of their farm lots to plant more crops.

“Hindi ko masabi-sabi kung paano kami magpapasalamat sa inyong lahat, yung mga nanggaling sa DSWD, kasi yung mga lupa namin na nasasaka hindi namin natataniman nuon pero nung dumating iyong project na ito, ngayon po nagtanim na po kami ng maraming klaseng gulay. Naibenta na namin, tatlong beses na kaming nag-harvest,” Anita said.

Pilita is now cultivating their land to the full, which they previously neglected. Aside from rice farming, the Cario family also plants various vegetables, expanding their livelihood.

Alibangsay Barangay Captain Danny Pulmano expressed his gratitude to the DSWD for its KALAHI-CIDSS program, helping their community with easy access to transportation through the road. The barangay official also thanked the local government unit (LGU) for its collaboration with the DSWD, as well as all the volunteers who helped identify, propose, and complete the road project.

Unique to the KALAHI-CIDSS, the program uses the community-driven development (CDD) strategy which allows communities to gain control over decisions and resources. Through the program, villagers actively participate in identifying and prioritizing their community’s concerns and allowing them to design, implement, and manage solutions to their priority problems.

“Malaki ang naitulong ng KALAHI-CIDSS kasi alam naman natin ang LGU ay limited ang mga budget. Nakatulong siya lalo sa ating mga beneficiaries kasi aside po doon sa budget, natuto po silang magplano and magprioritize po kung ano ang kailangan nila. Maraming maraming salamat po sa DSWD, ang laki talaga ng suporta sa amin dito sa LGU and ang dami po na buhay ang natulungan, lalo na po yung sa kalsada (proyekto),” Bagulin Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) Ma. Chona Benny Ochoco said.

As proven in Barangay Alibangsay, the Kalahi-CIDSS program not only provides funding for developmental projects but it also empowers community members to participate in the decision-making process regarding the implementation of programs in their localities.

Fifty volunteers from Sitios Naguey and Puraw worked together to make this road connecting both sitios a reality. The same volunteers are also working together for the maintenance of their newly constructed road.

Anita and Pilita are just two of the thankful residents of Barangay Alibangsay whose lives were changed by the road improvement project.

What they never expected to see happen in their lifetime became a reality through the KALAHI-CIDSS program, and they also wish for the other sitios to have the same project, so that they too, will not be left behind in development. (GDVF)

In Barangay Sta. Monica in Moncada town in Tarlac, a once empty and unused piece of land is now an ecotourism spot that features a community garden and fishpond, all taking shape not only from an enriching environment, but also of the residents’ strong sense of ‘bayanihan’ amid trying times.

Krystal Dantes, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) of Sta. Monica said bringing the once vacant lot to its current state was not an overnight transformation. It was even built at the height of dry spells in 2024 that brought various challenges to the farmers in many parts of the country.

However, grassroot efforts to mitigate these effects flourished at the heart of Sta. Monica with the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished).

“Isa po kasi yung mga farmers natin na apektado talaga sa pagbabago ng panahon katulad ng El Niño at disaster po kaya malaking tulong po ang binigay ng project LAWA and BINHI sa Barangay Sta. Monica dahil nagkaroon po sila ng pinagkukunan ng mga resources nila pag kailangan nila,” MSWDO Dantes said in the 19th episode of the DSWD’s award winning online documentary #KPAP or Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago.

The project LAWA and BINHI is a project of the DSWD launched in 2023 to maintain agricultural productivity during dry periods and to manage excess water during periods of heavy rainfall associated with the La Niña.

When you hear of a place anywhere in the province of Tarlac, it is natural to picture scenic pastures, rice terrains, and hectares of sugar cane plantations, as it is nestled in the region of Central Luzon which is known as the rice granary of the Philippines.

Even communities like Sta. Monica has not been spared from the effects of climate change which can range from crops losses to disruptions in livelihood opportunities.

Amid these threats, the DSWD took immediate action to help this village through the agency’s interventions under the Project LAWA and BINHI.

For 20 days, a total of 75 members of the Santarocavi Farmers Association underwent cash for work/training (CFW/T) to build a community garden and a small fish pond in a vacant lot in Barangay Sta. Monica.

Seedlings and fingerlings were also handed over both by the DSWD and the local government unit (LGU).

In the face of rising resources, the community exhibited their willingness to seize the opportunity as they became united in transforming the place to become more presentable and worthy of being called an ‘ecotourism spot.’

By the time it was finished, the people had not only brought the best out of the project. They were not only able to harvest climate resilient crops but they also deepened their bond as a community and kept alive the ‘bayanihan’ spirit.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DSWD, dahil sa tulong po nila, meron po kaming pinagkukunang gulay, hindi na namin binibili, kukuha na lang po kami dito ng pagkain namin po sa aming bahay,” Virginia Tolentino, one of the beneficiaries of Project LAWA and BINHI told #KPAP.

Out of the local’s goodwill, the communal garden now also serves as a ‘community pantry’ where residents can take home vegetables for free.

The farmers also donate their harvest to community development centers which are used for supplementary food programs for children living in the community and nearby areas.

Bearing witness to the ground impact of Project LAWA and BINHI, town local officials cited the importance of government initiatives that truly uplift and drive the most vulnerable to become agents of change themselves, and help others in their own little way.

“Ang LAWA and BINHI, isa talagang napakahalagang bagay para matutunan po ng iba na hindi lahat ng bagay ay kailangan po may bayad. Kailangan din po natin makiiambag hindi lang sa ating sariling pangkapakanan kundi sa kapakanan ng nakararami,” Bernadine Ferrer, the barangay captain of Sta. Monica, said.

The #KPAP is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS), which are under the Strategic Communications group. It is hosted by TMS Director Aldrine Fermin and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (LSJ)

Getting out of poverty and living a comfortable life has always been the dream of Cherry and Virgilio Canales for their family.

The couple, from Balangkayan, Eastern Samar, worked hard to provide for the needs of their four children. Cherry earned a living by buying and selling copra while Virgilio did sideline work like carpentry.

Members of the Canales family are proud of what they have achieved as a 4Ps program beneficiary.

Their combined income, however, was still not enough to sustain the increasing needs of their family, especially since all of their children were attending school.

Fortunately in 2012, the Canales family became a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

4Ps is a flagship program of the national government on poverty reduction and social development with the DSWD as the lead implementing agency.

It provides cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition and education, particularly of children aged 0-18. 4Ps invests in human capital to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty among poor households.

“Kakukuri gud han amon kabutangan han waray pa ini nga programa. Usahay nagdudurungan an gastos ngan diri ako maaram kon hahain ako kukuha (Our situation was really hard when we were not yet a program beneficiary. Sometimes, I do not know where to get money to pay for all the bills and expenses),” Cherry narrated.

Family Development Sessions

Being a beneficiary of the program, Cherry is required to attend the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS), which is one of the conditionalities of the 4Ps so that a beneficiary will receive their cash grants under the program.

The other conditionalities are sending their children to school and to health centers for regular check-up.

FDS is a significant feature of the 4Ps program as it employs neighborhood-based family psycho-educational activities to promote, empower and nurture beneficiaries toward strengthened capacity so they could meet their familial and parental responsibilities.

Through the FDS, 4Ps parents are provided with life skills, including livelihood skills training.

Topics discussed in the FDS include financial literacy, importance of saving money as well as enhancing family relationships; improving interpersonal skills; adopting good ties and fostering respect for one another.

Applying the lessons she gained and the skills she acquired from the sessions on financial literacy and savings helped Cherry set up and manage the family’s budding business, a sari-sari (retail) store.

The income from their store and the cash grants from 4Ps were a big help in meeting their daily needs, particularly for the children’s school and health requirements.

Cherry affirmed that her participation in the FDS also molded her personality and developed her networking skills.

As such, she was elected as a barangay official in their community, a position Cherry holds until now.

For the Canales couple, the program is not only about the cash grants they received but the lessons they gained from every topic discussed during the monthly FDS which strengthened their family relationship, helped them improved their economic well-being; and enabled them to become active participants to community building.

Investing in education and health

According to Cherry, 4Ps was a big help to her family because the grant they received gave them the opportunity to buy healthy and nutritious food for their children. In addition, the family no longer had to buy rice because the 4Ps has been providing its grantees with rice subsidies.

An equally significant impact of the program is helping the children continue with their studies.

The grants they received were budgeted properly. Cherry made sure that every cent of the grants was used for the children’s school needs.

Through the 4Ps cash grants, two of their children have graduated from college and are now gainfully employed.

Charence Mae is already a Police Officer in Tarlac City while Cherry Belle works in a pawnshop in Manila. They are now supporting their parents to send their two younger siblings to school.

Ready to graduate

Presently, the family’s sari-sari store is still one of their sources of income.

Cherry also continues to work as a barangay official and is still engaged in her buy and sell business.

On the other hand, Virgilio still does carpentry work.

With what they have already accomplished, the Canales family knows that they would soon graduate from the program.

The family is now tagged as “non-poor” and has attained a Self-Sufficiency level of well-being, based on the assessment of DSWD Field Office VIII using the social welfare and development indicators.

The Canales family is among the more than 4.3 million beneficiaries of 4Ps nationwide whose journey towards an improved quality of life is marked by their perseverance and eagerness to acquire skills that may help them in achieving their dreams of having a comfortable life, complemented by the modest help from the government.