The Munar family from the town of San Mateo in Rizal province shared their inspiring journey in the ninth episode of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) online documentary series, Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP).

From being selected as beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Munar family garnered 2nd place in the Provincial Search for the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino in Rizal, highlighting their strength and resilience.

Calixto and Lysel Munar have weathered many storms together. Their family of five, including their three children, has long relied on planting vegetables.

“Ang aming hanapbuhay kasi ay kumbaga gulay lang…kung hindi po maganda yung ani namin, wala po kaming kikitain. Pag binagyo pa, walą po talaga kaming makukuha,” Lysel said during an interview for the #KPAP online documentary produced by the DSWD’s Strategic Communications group.

As the children became older, the family faced challenges in making both ends meet. Calixto took on various jobs to supplement their income, including repairing appliances and working as an electrician.

“Ang mister ko naman po, marunong naman po syang gumawa ng mga appliances…pag po may tawag, yun po ang ini-extra income namin kung mayroon lang po, pero pag wala po, walą rin pong sideline,” Lysel recalled.

To search for better opportunities, the family relocated to various places before finally settling down in Barangay Pintong Bukawe. It was a tough decision, but one they hoped would improve their circumstances.

In 2013, they experienced a turning point in their lives. The Munar family became a member of the DSWD’s 4Ps, a program that prioritizes giving indigent families the means to break free from the intergenerational cycle of poverty through human capital investments in education and health.

The family’s monthly cash assistance helped sustain their children’s education, a priority for Lysel and Calixto.

“Malaking tulong din sa mga anak ko lalo na po sa pag-aaral kasi yun lang naman po ang maiiwan ko sa mga anak ko eh, yung makatapos sa pag-aaral,” Lysel emphasized.

As beneficiaries of the 4Ps, the Munars made the most of the support they received. They actively participated in family development sessions (FDS), which provided practical knowledge and opened new doors for Lysel.

“Mula noong napasama ako sa 4Ps, ginawa nila akong parent leader. Yung mga usapan sa gender training po, sabi ko masaya rin pala kasi nagkakaroon pa ako ng mga bagong kaibigan, bagong kakilala,” Lysel added.

According to Lysel’s son Alyxis, the youngest child in the family, the program instilled values that also benefited him as a student leader.

“Kilala din po ako na student leader po dito sa barangay namin. Kadalasan po kapag po may event yung barangay, kasama po lagi kami. Nakatulong po talaga iyon na maki-connect po ako sa mga bata at sa mga iba’t-ibang parte ng 4Ps dito sa community namin,” Alyxis said.

Due to their diligence and active involvement in the community, the Munar family achieved a remarkable milestone this year by securing 2nd place in the Provincial Search for the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino in Rizal. This recognition is a testament to their determination to overcome life’s challenges.

Today, the Munar family is nearing the end of their journey with the 4Ps as their youngest child is now in high school.

As they prepare to graduate from the program, Lysel reflected on the last 10 years as a 4Ps beneficiary.

“Malaking pasasalamat po ng buong pamilya ko dahil naging miyembro po kami ng Pantawid. Dahil sa haba po ng panahong natulungan po nila kami lalo na po są pag-aaral ng mga bata kasi yun po ang goal naming mag-asawa,” Lysel said.

The Munar family’s journey exemplifies the strength of hope and hard work. Against all odds, they have created a life rooted in love, perseverance, and aspirations for a brighter future.

When asked about their message to other 4Ps beneficiaries, Calixto has this to say: “Sana po yung susunod sa amin kung sakaling may mga maging miyembro din, yung kaunting tulong ng gobyerno po ay malaking bagay para inyo, gamitin nyo lang sa tama.”

The 4Ps is a flagship program of the national government aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social development. It offers cash grants to impoverished households to enhance their health, nutrition, and education, particularly for children aged 0-14. By investing in human capital, the program seeks to break the poverty cycle often passed down through generations.

The Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP) showcases the success stories of DSWD beneficiaries. It is hosted by Aldrine Fermin, the Director of the Traditional Media Service (TMS), and is posted every Tuesday on the official Facebook page of the DSWD. # (AKDL)