The Dacyon family of Barangay Upper Uma, Lubuagan was one of the poor households in Kalinga province that benefitted from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Rosabelle Dacyon, a former 4Ps monitored child and the youngest in the family, can still remember vividly that it was June 2, 2009 when their family became a program beneficiary.

She was in Grade 3 at that time and her family was experiencing untold hardships.

In an interview with the DSWD’s #Kwento ng Pag-asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) team, Rosabelle narrated: “Ang buhay po namin nung wala pa po yung 4Ps ay sobrang hirap kasi lagi akong naiiwan dito sa bahay namin para magtrabaho yung nanay ko para may pambili ng papel kasi nong wala pa yung 4Ps isa lang yung papel ko tapos tinitipid ko po.”

Maria Afichao, Rosabelle’s mother, also told the #KPAP team that life was indeed difficult during those times.

A young widower with five children, she decided to remarry as she found solo parenting quite challenging. Rosabelle is her youngest child with her second husband, Rafael.

“Kaya hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral yung anak kong lima, kasi mag-isa lang akong nagtatrabaho, father and mother yung trabaho ko. Nung nag-asawa ulit ako kasi balo ako ipinanganak ko itong bunso namin,” Maria Afichao explained.

According to Rafael, they took all kinds of jobs just so they can provide food on the table and buy school materials for Rosabelle. They also resorted to broom-making and coffee drying as well as taking odd jobs just to make ends meet.

Their struggles went on until they experienced their first breakthrough as a 4Ps household beneficiary.

Majority of the cash grants they received were allocated for the education of Rosabelle. For Maria Afichao and Rafael, education was the only inheritance they could give her.

Maria Afichao narrated: ”Noong dumating yung 4P’s noong June 2009 napabilang kami. Mapalad kami at sobrang saya namin na isa sa mga napabilang [sa program]. May pambili na kami ng kakailanganin at hanggang ngayon na nakapagtapos na siya ng highschool at college malaking tulong ang 4P’s sa amin.”

Smart and studious, Rosabelle successfully finished her elementary and high school education. After which, Rosabelle worked in different establishments and received scholarships from their barangay and the local government of Kalinga to finish her college education.

Significantly, Rosabelle did not just graduate. She did it with much aplomb, as in her 4th year in college, her school informed her of an opportunity for a job-employment internship abroad.

Courageous and dedicated, Rosabelle processed all the requirements while studying.

Rosabelle happily shared to the #KPAP team: “Tapos nung nag-graduate na po napili po akong makapunta sa Thailand dahil naka graduate na ako at mataas po yung grade ko. Dahil sa 4P’s sobrang saya ko po kasi hindi po lahat makukuha, hindi sila mabibigyan ng opportunity.”

The former 4Ps monitored child stayed in Thailand for six months and came back in February 2025.

Also noteworthy was the transformation of Maria Afichao, who as a parent leader, led her fellow beneficiaries in implementing projects beneficial to their community. The mother and housewife became an able leader, empowered as a result of the 4Ps’ monthly family development sessions (FDS).

“Bilang parent leader, sinimulan ko sa mga may miyembro ng 4Ps talaga ang paglilinis sa paaralan, sa mga kalsada at daanan at pagpapahalaga sa kalusugan. Itong pag papakulong namin sa mga baboy ang isa sa pinaka magandang nagawa namin dito sa barangay para sa kalusugan,” Maria Afichao proudly shared.

For the Dacyon family, the 4Ps was instumental in making them experience some of the major “firsts” as a family and as individuals.

The family’s first college graduate, Roselle’s first trip abroad, Maria Afichao’s first community leadership role were their first breakthroughs in life.

“Nung dumating ang 4Ps naging magaan na kasi may katuwang sa pag-papaaral. Sobrang kaginhawaan kasi dahil dito may nakapagtapos sa mga anak namin,” Rafael pointed out.

Grateful and equipped with the values gained from her experiences, her studies, her parents and through the 4Ps, Rosabelle has now set her goal in finding a job and giving back to her parents.

“Salamat po sa 4Ps kasi nakapag-aral ako at malaki ang naitulong niya sa akin at kung wala yung 4P’s hindi din po ako makakalabas sa ibang bansa. Gusto ko din pong sabihin sa mga magulang ko dahil napagtapos din nila ako ng pag-aaral is pasasalamat ko sa kanila dahil sobrang sakripisyo nila. Kapag may trabaho na po ako is ibibigay ko po lahat ng pangangailangan lahat ng hindi nila naranasan noon,” Rosabelle tearfully said.

According to Ophelia Grace Addom, Municipal Social Welfare Officer of Lubuagan, the Dacyon family was just one of those helped by the DSWD through the 4Ps.

Addom said many families now have a number of graduates through the program. Moreover, the 4Ps has empowered many mothers with leadership and livelihood skills which resulted in an increase in their income.

The 4Ps, which was launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11310 or the 4Ps Act, provides cash grants to more than 4 million households whose children are given subsidies to finish elementary and senior high school and supported with health and nutrition grants.

The #KPAP, the DSWD’s award winning online documentary, is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) which are under the Strategic Communications. It is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page.

When Andy Paul Argao and his wife saw their baby with a swollen hand accompanied by a fever in July last year, they could only hope that it is just a simple illness that would only take a brief visit to the doctor.

However, as the fever did not subside, and the swelling even worsening, Baby Audria, who was barely one year old at that time, had to undergo different laboratory tests.

“Napansin po namin ‘yung aking baby na nagkaroon po siya ng pamamaga sa kamay at sinabayan po ito ng lagnat. Tuloy-tuloy po ang lagnat niya kaya nagpa-laboratory test na kami,” Andy told the DSWD’s new online program, the AICS Chronicles, while recalling the moments leading up to the most challenging moments in their lives.

When it was time to see the results, there came the news no parent ever wants to hear.

It was shown that Audria had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a serious form of blood cancer. Andy and his wife were told that 81 percent of Audria’s body was already affected.

For a moment, time stood still. Fear, helplessness, and anguish kept Andy and his wife up at night. Their world crumbled, in total disbelief that their youngest child would have to battle with cancer at such a tender age.

Despite the devastating diagnosis, however, Andy and his wife refused to give in to despair. Instead, they held on tighter—to their faith, to each other, and to their child. It was a battle that they had to take and win, altogether.

“Lakas po namin, mula sa Panginoon. Siya po ang tumulong sa amin para magpatuloy. Pangalawa, sa tulong ng pamilya ko at mga kaibigan na nagdasal at sumuporta,” Andy said.

But the emotional weight was only one part of the battle. The financial burden loomed large. The doctor said chemotherapy might take three years. The Argao family knew their savings would not be enough to cover the hefty medical expenses ahead.

Amid the difficulties, Andy’s family turned to the government for help. One of the first agencies that came to mind was the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program.

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

“That time po may kaunting savings kami pero kinompute po namin, hindi po ‘yun sasapat para sa buong dalawang taon po na paggagamot… kaya po naisip namin agad na lumapit sa DSWD,” Andy said.

Wasting no time, Andy gathered the required documents and went straight to the DSWD office.

“Nag-schedule po ako na pumunta dito sa DSWD at nagsimula po akong alamin kung ano po ‘yung proseso sa paghingi po ng financial assistance. Napakalaking tulong po ng naibigay po ng DSWD dahil naging maganda po ‘yung takbo ng kanyang chemotherapy,” Andy said, relating how the DSWD’s aid has sustained much-needed medical interventions for their baby.

Every three months, Andy returned to the agency for continued assistance— helping ensure the continuity of his daughter’s treatment.

After several back and forth visits to the hospital and to the DSWD, the miracle that the Argao family has been fervently praying for has been finally answered. From 81 percent, the leukemia in Audria’s body dropped to 0 percent.

“Unang una po ay miracle po ng ating Panginoon at the same time tulong po ng ating DSWD sa financial assistance… naisagawa po namin ang patuloy na pagpapagamot po sa aming anak na si Audria,” Andy shared.

Though the effects of chemotherapy were evident—Audria remained cheerful and full of life, giving the entire family the strength to endure through the hardships throughout their journey.

“Masaya po ang baby ko, malakas po siya tumawa ngayon at malakas din po siyang dumede ngayon sa nanay po niya dahil nagbe-breastfeed,” Andy said, who cannot help but smile over the improvement on her child’s condition.

The Argao family’s story is just one of the thousands of families who was once at the brink of hopelessness but found a helping hand through the DSWD’s AICS Program.

Andy regards her daughter’s recovery as a ‘miracle’ from above, and a well-fought battle against cancer with the help of various support systems, including the DSWD.

“Ang dami niyo pong natutulungan na mga kababayan na nangangailangan ng tulong… Kaya po ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat—hindi lang po ako kundi ang aking pamilya…nagpapasalamat po sa DSWD sa pagbibigay ng tulong para sa mga nangangailangan tulad po namin,” Paul said, expressing his gratitude to the agency that stood with them as they fought for the life of their bundle of hope.

The AICS Chronicles is a new online program of the DSWD hosted by Public Relations Officer (PRO) 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. (LSJ)

There is a popular thought in development work that states: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

For the Talim Island fisherfolk community, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) has taught them how to fish, figuratively and literally.

Talim Island is situated in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country, within the Rizal province border, and with barangays divided into the jurisdiction of two municipalities, Cardona and Binangonan.

The Laguna de Bay is a rich source of seafood, supplying most of the needs of Metro Manila residents.

For the community of Talim Island, the bay is a natural and viable source of livelihood. Thus, many of the locals are engaged in fishing.

William Tupaz, President of the Pamalakayang Boor SLP Association, attested that fishing has helped him send three kids through college.

“Sa dagat ko po pinag-aral kaya malaki ang experience ko sa dagat,” William told the DSWD’s #Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (KPAP) team that visited the site to interview the locals on how the agency’s SLP has taught them how to fish.

However, not all fisherfolk get the opportunity to earn money due to the lack of capital and the need to upskill themselves, considering the effects of climate change on the ocean, which affects the fish.

Boor Barangay Captain Nestor Valencia affirmed the struggles in the fishing industry.

“May mga panahon talaga na hirap yung panghuhuli sa lawa dahil sa gaya ngayon malalaki alon, hindi makapalaot yung mga mangingisda. Tapos eh minsan pag malalaki pa alon ay lumalabo yung tubig, bumabagal yung paglaki ng isda,” the village chieftain told #KPAP.

To alleviate the plight of the fisherfolk of Talim Island and help them sustain their source of livelihood, the DSWD’s SLP provided the needed capital assistance and technical skills.

On January 25, 2024, the DSWD’s SLP helped the Boor SLP association build a fish pen, as well as provide fingerlings for them to start with.

According to Randolf Victor, DSWD Field Office-CALABARZON’s SLP Provincial Partnership Officer (PO), the project was made possible in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The association received Php450,000 as seed capital with Php300,000 allocated for the building of the fish cage and the remaining amount for the purchase of fingerlings.

PO Victor told #KPAP: “Itong proyekto po ay in partnership with the Bureau and Fisheries Aquatic Resources na kung saan ito yung bahagi ng ating zero hunger program ng national government para tumugon din doon sa food security, bukod doon sa risk resiliency para magkaroon ng karagdagang kita yung mga mangingisda ng Barangay Boor ng Cardona Rizal. Sa pakikipagtulungan na rin ng BFAR sa amin at ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Cardona ay binigyan sila ng area o pwesto kasi dito.”

The DSWD partnership officer said that the BFAR helped the association secure a permit for the fish cage.

“Sa Laguna de Bay hindi pwedeng magtayo lamang basta-basta ng fish cage, kailangan ng permiso at magandang pagkakataon rin na si Mayor po ay i-dinonate [na area] na siyang na-maximize na gamitin para itayo yung fish cage so ang sukat ng fish cage nila ay isang ektarya,” PO Victor narrated.

To further support the livelihood project of the Boor SLP Association, Cardona Mayor Bernardo San Juan, Jr. provided a boat and fishing nets, aside from giving them an area for the fish cage.

The local chief executive said it is heartwarming for him to know “na meron na nagbebenta (ng isda),” telling him, “Mayor, magbebenta na po kami ng unang ani.”

With 30 members, the association lost no time in building the fish pen in Laguna de Bay.

The group initially bought 1,200 fingerlings of Bangus according to Jessie Salvio, treasurer of the Pamalakayang Boor SLP Association.

However, as the risk in all businesses and in dealing with Mother Nature, many of the fingerlings died as the association started during the rainy season. Despite this, the fishers were able to get their capital which they used to further their fishing business.

“Noong maliliit pa ito, nong fingerling pa siya mam maraming patay kasi hulog nito parang late na kami sa panahon dahil nong kinuha namin itong fingerlings, inabot kami ng ulan. Ang fingerlings eh takot sa ulan yan nagkasugat-sugat siya kaya ang daming isdang namatay,” William said.

Although the Boor SLP Association failed to initially inform BFAR of what happened to the fingerlings, they are continuously provided with technical skills to help them grow their fingerlings better.

Rizal Provincial Fisheries Office (RPFO) agricultural technician Cyril Eradil shared: “Kami po ay nagbibigay sa kanila ng mga technical assistance sa kung papaano ang tamang pamamaraan ng pag-aalaga ng mga isda. Tinuturo namin sa kanila is science-based proven na effective ng sa ganon po ay mapataas pa natin yung antas ng kanilang pamumuhay at mas mapataas natin yung production nila pag may available din tayong mga fingerlings…minsan bangus, tilapya nagbibigay naman kami sa aming office.”

The Pamalakayang Boor SLP Association fishers expressed extreme gratitude saying their livelihood opportunity would not have been possible without the DSWD and the BFAR.

Jessie affirmed saying: “Maganda po ang nangyayari kasi sa tulong na yan hindi namin inaasahan na darating sa amin wala kaming ginastos dyan kahit piso…kaya po nagpapasalamat po kami sa DSWD at tsaka sa BFAR na nabigyan po kami ng ganitong pagkakataon kasi malaking tulong po talaga ito sa aming pamilya.”

Presently, the Boor association fishers not only know how to fish.

More than fishing, they now manage their fish cages, have more opportunities to increase their production, and contribute to the food security in Metro Manila.

True enough, the fisherfolk of Talim Island were taught how to fish and now they can feed their own families.

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 posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page.(GDVF)

“Serving with a heart.”

These are the words that Maria Anthea Navales holds close as she navigates through the many challenges in her life.

Though she experienced hardships and heart break, Anthea found a new sense of purpose — dedicating herself to serving others and providing assistance to those in need.

“Napagdesisyonan ko po na kumuha ng Social Work dahil gusto kong magkaroon ng better na trabaho at umalis sa corporate world dahil paulit-ulit na lang yung nagiging trabaho, walang self-development at hindi ko nakikita kung ano yung gusto ko,” Anthea said in an interview with the third episode of Kwentong Angels in Red Vests (ARV), the latest online documentary of the DSWD’s Strategic Communications.

Anthea’s journey led her to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), where she serves as a social worker.

As a social worker, Anthea processes and assesses thousands of documents to assist families and individuals who are in need of immediate assistance.

Each time she successfully assists a fellow Filipino, Anthea said she feels an indescribable joy and renewed energy.

“Kung titingnan ko yung nakaraan ko versus sa ngayon, makikita ko na ibang-iba na ako… Mayroon akong pinanghahawakan dahil mayroon ako lisensya, nakakatulong din ako sa kapwa ko sa iba’t ibang lugar, lalong lalo na rito sa DSWD,” Anthea told Director Lara Duran of the DSWD’s Public Relations Service (PRS) who hosts the online program.

Seeing people regain hope because of the help she extends reminds her why she chose this path.

“Yung hinding-hindi ko po makakalimutan ay yung nagkaroon ako ng client na nagki-chemo therapy pati na rin yung asawa niya, at the same time ay nagda-dialysis po siya. Alam ng wife niya na anytime ay pwede na siyang kunin, chronic kidney disease stage five na siya. Pero dahil nga mayroon namang program, mayroon pang paraan, mayroon pa siyang pagkukunan ng medical assistance, pinu-push niya pa rin para lang ma-extend pa ang buhay ng asawa niya,” Anthea narrated.

Anthea added: “Ang sakit sa part ko pero hindi ko pwedeng ipakita na nalulungkot ako kasi kailangan ko pa ring maging professional.”

But just like many frontliners in the field of social service, Anthea is no stranger to difficulties.

There were times when she received harsh words from distressed clients — moments that tested her patience and strength.

“Ang sabi sa akin, ‘alam mo hindi ka bagay na maging social worker, napakasama mo.’ Hindi raw akong marunong magingbconsiderate sa mga katulad nila na ang tagal pumila tapos hindi mo ibibigay yung tulong na hinihingi nya,” Anthea said.

Anthea said there are sets of guidelines they need to abide in assessing and disbursing financial assistance through the AICS.

The young social worker said there were moments when she thought about giving up.

“Feeling ko noong time na yun ay hindi pala ako effective,” Anthea said.

Yet, in the face of it all, Anthea chose to stay and continue to serve with all her heart.

“Hindi ako mag-iiba sa pagiging social worker ko kasi hanggang nakikita ko na marami pang tao na gustong humingi ng tulong, tutulungan ko. Kahit mag walk-in man sila o through referral, tutulungan ko sila,” Anthea said.

The Kwentong ARV airs every other Monday over the DSWD Facebook page. It features stories of social workers and agency personnel dedicated to serving poor Filipinos with extra love and extra care. (YADP)

Lubuagan is a 4th class municipality in Kalinga province composed of nine barangays and boasts of a rich Cordillera culture and scenic environment. Despite its lush environment, the landscape of Lubuagan makes it a disaster risk area.

According to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s (MGB) list of identified areas susceptible to landslides released in 2021, among the 32 barangays listed in Kalinga were in the municipalities of Balbalan, Pasil, Rizal, Pinukpuk, Tinglayan, and Lubuagan. Specifically, Barangay Upper Uma in Lubuagan is deemed as vulnerable to high landslide incidents.

This was affirmed by Upper Uma Barangay Captain Jeremy Anton as he shared with the team of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) #Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) that during typhoons and heavy rains, residents seek shelter from the only church in the community and in the day care center. Both facilities, however, were not spacious enough to accommodate all those displaced by disasters.

Thus, the community lost no time in proposing for the construction of a safe and adequate evacuation center when personnel of the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) came into their municipality.

Under the KALAHI-CIDSS program, community members in the barangay are empowered and given the capacity to identify their own needs and propose for the responsive project, as well as implement it.

DSWD Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) Community Empowerment Facilitator (CEF) Mary Grace Crisologo shared that through the program, the agency empowers the community through the community driven development (CDD) strategy.

“Ang KALAHI-CIDSS ay nag e-empower ng mga barangay, tinuturuan natin sila through CDD approach para ma-improve ang quality of life nung mga nasa barangay, nakararanas sila ng poverty. Ngayon, yung poverty, gusto natin bawasan kaya nagpupunta ang KALAHI-CIDSS doon para tignan kung anong interventions ang pwedeng gawin doon,” CEF Crisologo told #KPAP.

Upon approval of the proposed construction of the Php2.9 million evacuation center, the community members lost no time in implementing the project.

Haste proved to be important in building the center as typhoons and heavy rains can come anytime. The community needed the evacuation center to safeguard the people against the threats of these disasters.

Through the bayanihan of more than 200 volunteers, the construction of the evacuation center began in January 2024 and was completed in July of the same year.

“Inimplement natin agad ang project na ito dahil kapag umuulan at bumabagyo, nahihirapan po kaming mag evacuate lalo na yong mga malapit sa creek. Nagbayanihan po kami, kahit wala pong sahod. Sa amin sa barangay Uma, tulong tulong po yan, nagvo-volunteer po, babae man o lalaki,” Brgy. Captain Anton said.

Showing their dedication to the project, women volunteers gladly did whatever they could to help complete the construction on time.

One of the volunteers, Faith Romaraog, said: “Ako po ay nagtry magbuhat ng steel bar, naghalo po ng semento at nagbuhat din ng tubig.”

Empowered through the KALAHI-CIDSS program, the community of Barangay Upper Uma now has a sturdy and safe evacuation center which serves as their temporary home during disasters.

Barangay Chief Anton and the community members expressed their gratitude to the DSWD and to the KALAHI-CIDSS for capacitating them to be part of development and by granting them the funds for the project.

They also thanked the Lubuagan local officials for their assistance to make the project possible.

Barangay Chief Anton thanked his co-community members who participated in the project identification, development, and implementation of the center, which the community also uses for the conduct of their activities.

The village chief stressed that their unity significantly contributed to the immediate completion of the evacuation center.

Aside from the evacuation center, the KALAHI-CIDSS program paved the way for the construction of their solar powered light posts.

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. #

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)