ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to assist Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries who demonstrate a strong willingness to seek employment and move towards self-reliance, rather than solely depending on government aid.
A total of 19 members of the 4Ps were hired on the spot during the recent Labor Day Job Fair on May 1, a strong indication of their willingness to pursue sustainable livelihood.
In support of this, the DSWD is set to roll out the 4Ps Trabaho Caravan across various provinces in the Zamboanga Peninsula in the coming months. This initiative aims to further empower beneficiaries by helping them find employment opportunities and reduce dependency on financial aid.
One of the hired 4Ps beneficiaries, Marivic Bronola, a mother of four, shared the overwhelming joy of being hired on the spot despite her personal struggles.
“Happy gyud kaayo ko, kay kinahanglan gyud nako ni. Sa akong kahimtang, naa koy upat ka anak, ug nagbulag na mi sa ilang amahan. Wala pa koy trabaho karon,” she shared in an interview.
(“I’m very happy, because this is something I really needed. Like in my case, I have four children, and their father and I have separated. I don’t have work at the moment.”)
She said she went to the fair with low expectations, especially since she lacked some requirements. But with encouragement from the organizers and government partners like the DSWD, she took the chance of going to the job fair.
Another beneficiary, Sheryl Monopolio also shared her first experience in job seeking, “first time namo ni mag apply human nadawat pa mi dayon, wala gyud namo gi-expect og wala pa mi katuo pag-uli namo”.
(“This is the first time I applied and got hired on the spot. We didn’t expect it, ma’am. When we got home, we were still in disbelief.”)
The two of them also encouraged other 4Ps beneficiaries to also strive and look for other opportunities to earn.
“Di ta pwede magsalig sa Pantawid hangtod sa hangtod. Pipila ra ang makadawat ani, ug naa pa gyud tay mga anak nga nag-eskwela ug naay adlaw-adlaw nga gasto. Kung magsalig lang ta sa Pantawid, maghuwat ra ta pirmi. Mao bitaw nga importante gyud nga mangita ta’g trabaho ug dili lang magsalig sa tabang,” said added.
(“We can’t depend on Pantawid forever. Only a few receive it, and we have kids in school with daily expenses. If we rely solely on Pantawid, we’d just be waiting. That’s why it’s important to look for a job and not just expect help.”) (EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
