MARIA ,Siquijor (PIA) — “Ang kalamposan sa atong mga anak, kalamposan natong mga ginikanan ug sa tibook katilingban.”
(Our children’s success is our success as parents and as a community.)
These were the words of Arlene Magsayo, one of the 49 beneficiaries who graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), during the 4Ps Graduation Ceremony dubbed Saulog on Nov. 14.
Blessed with 11 children, the dedicated housewife from Maria, Siquijor considers herself fortunate to be identified as a beneficiary in 2011 and stayed in the program until 2024.
Grateful for the opportunities brought by the program, Arlene shared the huge impact it has had on her family, especially in educating her children.
“Dako gyud kaayo ang kalipay sa among pamilya nga nahimo ming benepesyaryo tungod kay ang cash grant nga nadawat namo, nagamit gyud kini sa among mga kabataan,” she said.
(Our family is overjoyed to have been a beneficiary because the cash grants we received helped in our children’s education.)
Of her 11 children, three were direct beneficiaries of the program. Her eldest graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Negros Oriental State University in Dumaguete City and is currently pursuing a degree in Law.
Her 2nd child is a 4Ps scholar who is currently working in a ship after earning a degree in Bachelor of Science in Marine Technology, while her 3rd child is currently studying Geodetic Engineering in Dumaguete City.
According to Arlene, the 4Ps were not just financial support but a lifeline to a better future.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay bisan pa sa among kapobrehon, ang among nadawat nga ayuda sa matag payout, amo gyud nga gigahin para sa among mga anak,” she said.
(We are very grateful because despite our situation, the assistance we received during every payout was allocated for our children’s education.)
Arlene added that the assistance from the 4Ps is a blessing for mothers who aspire for their children’s success and a better quality of life.
“Moexit man tood ko , pero sa kinahiladman sa akong kasing-kasing akong gidala ang dakong kalipay,” she added.
(I may be leaving, but deep in my heart, I carry with me immense happiness.)
In her video message, DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero said the graduation of 4Ps beneficiaries should not be a cause for sadness but a celebration of the success achieved through government support.
“Kahibalo ko sulod sa inyong kasing-kasing nga malipayon kaayo kamo nga nakahimo mo ug kaugalingong kadaugan sa inyong sitwasyon,” Lucero said.
(I know that deep in your heart, you are truly happy because you have achieved a personal victory in your situation.)
Lucero encouraged the beneficiaries to continue supporting the program and contributing to the community.
“Hangyoon nako ang tagsa-tagsa ka mga pamilya nga ming graduate, sa pagpadayon sa pagsuporta ug pagtabang sa atong gobyerno,” she said.
(I encourage each family who has graduated to continue supporting and helping our government.)
Arlene’s husband, Nilo Magsayo, president of the Association of Barangay Captains in Maria, Siquijor, also gave his sincere appreciation to the department for implementing the program.
“Daghan ug daghan kaayong salamat gikan sa kinahiladman sa among kasing-kasing,” he said.
(Many, many thanks from the bottom of our hearts.) (CAG/PIA7 Siquijor)
