In a household where resources were limited and every expense had to be carefully managed, dreams often felt distant, reserved for those with more in life.

Kyla Camille S. Ortal from Barangay Baay, Batac City, Ilocos Norte was one of the monitored children under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The 4Ps program provides conditional cash grants for the education and health of children in poor households. Being a 4Ps monitored child means Kayla’s health and education were regularly supported and monitored. But apart from the program’s assistance, it was her quiet determination that began to set her apart.

Life was not easy. There were days when her family had just enough to get by—stretching budgets for food, electricity, and school expenses. Yet even in the face of these challenges, Kyla held on to something constant: her desire to uplift her family.

As a child, her dreams shifted—from becoming an astronaut to a teacher, and later an engineer. What remained unchanged was her purpose.

As she grew older, reality sharpened her resolve.

“Hindi pala sapat ang mangarap. Kailangan mo rin itong ipaglaban,” Kyla shared.

She pursued her studies with discipline, fully aware that education was her strongest pathway forward. Along the way, she encountered setbacks that could have easily discouraged her.

“Pinangarap kong maging DOST [Department of Science and Tecnologoy] scholar ngunit hindi ako pumasa. Masakit. Nakakadismaya. Pero hindi ako tumigil. Lahat ng klase ng scholarship ay inapplyan ko,” she stated.

Instead of stopping, she pressed on—applying for every opportunity available to her. Driven by a desire to serve in the healthcare field, she took up a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Mariano Marcos State University.

College life brought its own set of challenges. There were sleepless nights spent studying, overwhelming academic requirements, and moments of doubt when exhaustion nearly took over.

Still, she persevered.

Graduating was a victory in itself—but Kyla knew that her journey was far from over. The licensure examination loomed ahead, a final and defining test of everything she had worked for.

She prepared with intensity, pouring in all her effort, hope, and faith.

When the results were released, time seemed to stand still.

She had not only passed—she ranked Top 2 in the April 2026 Pharmacist Licensure Examination, with an outstanding rating of 94.35 percent.

In that moment, the weight of years of struggle gave way to relief and joy.

Behind her achievement was not just personal determination, but a support system that helped her stay on track—including the 4Ps program.

“Malaki ang naging parte ng 4Ps sa pagtataguyod ng aming pamilya. Isa itong lifeline para sa amin. Maraming puna pero proud akong sabihin na ang batang 4Ps na ito ay top 2 po sa April 2026 Pharmacist Licensure Exam. Salamat po sa lahat ng tax payers,” Kyla said.

Her success also reflects the transformation within her family. Today, all three siblings have become professionals—a milestone that once seemed out of reach.

“Ngayon, tatlo na kaming professionals sa aming pamilya… Kaya masasabi kong malaki na ang nagbago sa aming pamilya,” she shared.

Kyla’s journey is more than an academic achievement. It is a testament to how sustained support, combined with perseverance and grit, can open doors once thought impossible.

From a young girl who believed her dreams might remain out of reach, she now stands as proof that with opportunity and determination, even the most difficult beginnings can lead to remarkable outcomes. (CC)