Cherry Almenzo, the matriarch, shared their “hardships” prior to becoming a 4Ps beneficiary.
She narrated how their children's education was continuously in peril as the family struggled with financial difficulties.
“Noong hindi pa kami kabilang ng 4Ps, naranasan namin ‘yong utang dito utang doon tapos minsan hindi makapasok yung mga bata kasi walang baon kaya ‘yun manghihiram muna sa kapitbahay basta makapasok lang ang aking anak,” Cherry recounts.
(In the past, before we joined the 4Ps, we experienced borrowing money from so many people. We were in deep in debt. Sometimes, our children couldn't go to school because they didn't have money, so we’d borrow from our neighbors)
In the face of such challenges, the Almenzos found refuge in the 4Ps program. It was their hope amid a time of desperation, providing not just financial support but also a path to empowerment and independence.
Cherry carefully managed their finances, allocating a portion of the 4Ps payout to savings while using her husband's earnings as a driver to gradually pay off their debts.
With dedication as a guide, their situation began to change. Their savings were utilized as seed capital to start their own business.
Today, the family owns four eateries – three tapsilogan (tapsilog is a portmanteau of the Filipino words tapa or beef jerky, sinangag or fried rice and itlog or egg) and a carinderia (a food establishment that serves affordable and locally inspired dishes) in Mandaluyong City.
“Tuwing may 4Ps payout kami, ito po yung pinambibili ko ng mga pagkain namin at unti unti naman namin nababayaran ang aming utang mula sa sahod ng aking asawa. Tumagal ay nakakaipon na rin ako kahit papaano dahil nagtatabi ako ng 500 pesos kada payout namin,” she shared.
(Whenever we receive our 4Ps payout, I use it to buy our food, and little by little, we're able to pay off our debts from my husband's earnings. I've also been able to save up a bit because I set aside 500 pesos from each payout)
