DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — A family of six from Barangay Tambo in the town of Ayungon town in Negros Oriental who once solely relied on farming for their income is now part of the list of successful beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Nerbert and Lecilda Indonilla are parents of six children, with Nerbert working as a rice farmer, whose work was dependent on whether the landowner would hire his services.
He toiled in the rice paddies while Lecilda looked after their children.
Since Nelbert’s income was not enough for the family, he struggled to manage their finances, with Lecilda always prioritizing food over non-essential things in their expenses.
“Niabot sad sa point na wala gayud kami malung-ag nga kan-on ug wala pud may magpaulos na silingan (It reached a point we had no rice to cook and none of our neighbors lent us some rice),” recalled Nathaniel, the couple’s eldest son.
He also remembers the challenges of a large family living in one small house.
“Lisod magpuyo sa usa ka balay na daghan kaayo mi. Kung adunay panahon nga dili magsinabtanay kay magaway-away dayun. (It is hard for a big family to live in one house with a big family. If there is a misunderstanding, there is usually a fight),” recalled Nathaniel, the couple’s eldest son.
Sometime in 2008, the family was listed as a 4Ps beneficiary under Set 1.
Lecilda used the cash aid for the education and healthcare needs of their three children who were listed as 4Ps beneficiaries.
Hardworking parents
Nerbert and Lecilda’s children have witnessed their parents’ tireless efforts to meet their basic needs.
When Nathaniel and his brother, Niel Lester, decided to pursue their college education, their parents supported their chosen courses.
Determined to reach their dreams, Nathaniel took his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the Negros Oriental State University Main Campus in Dumaguete City.
Niel Lester, on the other hand, finished his Marine Transportation course at the BIT International College in Tagbilaran City.
Nathaniel is now a regular employee at Samsung Group of Companies, while Niel Lester is a seafarer working for an oil tanker vessel bound for Japan.
They dedicate their accomplishments and successes to their hardworking parents.
With their combined income, the two brothers were able to pay for their house renovation. Once made of light materials, their house is now made of concrete.
The family also acquired farm equipment for their rice field and continued their small sari-sari store.
They also ventured into the balot business, a favorite delicacy made of baby bird embryos served with salt and vinegar, in Ayungon and nearby towns.
The family also bought a second-hand car for their business.
Nathaniel now has his own family, but he continues to support his parents financially.
Niel Lester sends a monthly allowance to his parents to support his three younger siblings, who are all in school.
The Indonilla family during the college graduation of their second child, Neil Lester (second from left), who finished his Marine Transportation course at the BIT International College in Tagbilaran City. (Photo: PIA Negros Oriental/DSWD7)
4Ps parent leader
Lecilda became a 4Ps parent leader in their barangay, helping the staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development disseminate relevant information to their co-4Ps partner beneficiaries.
Lecilda has no other wish but to have her three remaining children finish their studies and have a regular job of their own someday, just like their elder brothers.
She is currently an active member of the Tambo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association, a farmer’s group association in their barangay that supports fellow farmers in their community.
She helped lobby for a budget for the Department of Agrarian Reform to fund a rice mill in their barangay.
Change for the good
Lecilda said the 4Ps was instrumental in her children’s success as it helped fund their education, especially during the tough times.
“Dako na gayud ang kausaban sa among pamilya kompara sa una. Medyo haruhay na ang kahimtang tungod naa naman ta klaro nga income ug aduna nay duha nga nagtrabaho (There has already been a big improvement in our family. We now have a comfortable life because we have a stable source of income and our two children have their own work),” shared Lecilda.
The Indonilla family was as rated self-sufficient after DSWD conducted the Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) assessment tool.
Lecilda is proud of what they have achieved and they are ready to exit the program.
“Walay hunong nga pasalamat sa programa nga nitabang sa akong pamilya (I have endless gratitude for the program that helped my family),” said Lecilda.
“Dili gayud babag ang kalisud sa pagkab-ot sa imong mga pangandoy ug kung kini ubanan nimo og kakugi ug pagpaningkamot (Poverty is not a hindrance to achieving one’s dream if you will just be hardworking and persistent),” shared Lecilda. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
