Beneficiaries of the Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas (Jobs and Health Services for a New Philippines) have expressed gratitude to the national government for bringing employment opportunities, medical services and other forms of assistance within reach of ordinary citizens.
These stories illustrate how accessible government initiatives can transform lives, especially for those who have long been marginalized or overlooked.
For Perla Magbato, a 43-year-old resident of Barangay San Luis, her journey from part-time housekeeper to landing a job through the government initiative serves as an inspiration and a testament to her resilience.
Magbato, a member of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), was hired on the spot at the Trabaho, Serbisyo, at Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas event in Antipolo City, Rizal.
The program serves as a one-stop shop for various government agencies and services, aimed at providing assistance such as job matching, medical consultations and free medicine, as well as financial aid for beneficiaries.
Magbato emphasized the importance of participating in government programs, believing that they truly help people. She also expressed her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the opportunity and is hopeful for success in her new job.
“I am thankful for the opportunity and for the continuous support of the government in meeting our needs. People should not be shy to go to government programs and agencies; they are here to help people like me,” she said.
As a first-time job seeker, her dream gave her strength not to give up. She trusted the process and was hired as a massage therapist at a clinic in Antipolo City. In addition to the job opportunity, she also received 5,000 pesos in financial aid as pre-employment assistance for her job requirements.
Melinda Sosoryo Bloece, 56, from Upang, Antipolo, Rizal, also thanked the government for bringing financial, medical and other services directly to residents.
Like many Filipino mothers, she has faced financial struggles in supporting her family’s daily needs and her children’s education. That is why she is very thankful for being part of the 4Ps program, which has helped her make ends meet.
“I’m very thankful to President Marcos because he’s able to help us. As a 4Ps member, the aid we receive is a big relief. I usually use my payout as capital for selling vegetables in our area,” she said.
As a recipient of government programs, she feels a sense of relief when her husband is out of work. With three children still in school, Bloece is also grateful that she can support their education without constantly worrying about tuition fees and daily expenses.
“When my husband doesn’t have a job, we can still buy rice and food because of the payout. Because of the financial assistance I get from 4Ps, I can pay for my children’s tuition and give them money or food to bring to school.”
Bloece expressed immense gratitude to the government for making a difference in her family’s life and for the continued support she receives. She also encourages her fellow beneficiaries to spend their aid wisely.
“As a 4Ps member, we receive financial assistance. I hope others will not use it for other purposes. They should use it for their children’s future and for food.”
She hopes government assistance continues, as it greatly helps fellow citizens meet their needs and improve their quality of life.
The stories of Magbato and Bloece demonstrate the impact of government support and serve as an inspiration, showing that there is always hope to rise from poverty.
During an engagement in Cavite, President Marcos reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending services and assistance to the people, especially those who need them most.
“Rest assured that your government is always here, always supporting all of you. Rest assured, we will not leave as long as you need help from the government,” the President said. (KA/PIA-4A)
