One of the major programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, better known as “4Ps.” As the flagship poverty alleviation program of the Philippine government, it aims to transform the lives of many Filipinos by providing educational, health, and livelihood assistance.
The program has been in place for several years now, and many families have “graduated” (i.e. achieved self-reliance) from it. Likewise, numerous child beneficiaries have literally graduated from school… with flying colors! Among them is a 4Ps beneficiary from Antique who is now a licensed engineer… and getting plenty of job offers!
4Ps Beneficiary is Now a Licensed Engineer
After passing the recent Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination, 4Ps beneficiary Jiezel Mae del Rosario, 23, has been receiving job offers from companies in Iloilo City and Antique. She has yest to take her oath as an engineer this coming June 5, 2024.
“I am so grateful to the Pantawid Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), considering that I am able to finish school and get invited by some companies to join them,” Jiezel said in an interview with Philippine News Agency.
Becoming a Member of the 4Ps
Jiezel’s family became a 4Ps member when she was in Grade 7 at the Antique National School in San Jose de Buenavista. She is the youngest of three siblings; her father works as a construction laborer, while her mother is a seamstress.
As a 4Ps beneficiary, she used her monthly educational grant to pay for school fees and other needs. “There were times when I could not attend our online class because of the problem with Internet connectivity, but I made it a point to ask my teacher and classmates about my missed lessons,” she shared.
Eventually, she pursued her college degree, Mechanical Engineering, at the University of Antique main campus in Sibalom. To help support her expenses, she availed of the “Tulong Dunong” scholarship program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
According to Jiezel, she was determined to finish school and get a degree because it is the key to getting a good job and helping her family. “Once I am employed, I will dedicate myself to helping my parents because they sacrificed so much for me,” she declared.
Moreover, she urges other 4Ps beneficiaries to focus on their studies and aim towards finishing school, while they have the opportunity and support from the program.
Breaking Free from the Test of Poverty
Notably, Jiezel shared about her experience, and her “testimony” was posted on the Facebook page of DSWD Western Visayas.
“In a world full of challenges, the story of my student life breaks free from the test of poverty,” she said. “The assistance of the government, particularly the 4Ps, stands as a powerful testament to whatever empowerment and transformation it gave to us as a 4Ps beneficiary.”
“I am forever grateful to our government, particularly the DSWD and CHED, for all the assistance extended to us,” she added. “Without them, I cannot reach what I am dreaming to become.”
“Again, I am Engineer Jiezel Mae del Rosario, a proud daughter of 4Ps beneficiary Rowena and Jovito del Rosario, Jr.,” Jiezel declared.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations, Jiezel Mae, on becoming a licensed Mechanical Engineer! Indeed, your story is proof that through hard work, dedication, and support from programs like 4Ps — families can break the chains of poverty and transform their lives!
Speaking of 4Ps, here’s another success story that you should read… the story of a former 4Ps beneficiary who represented the Philippines at a United Nations event in Luxembourg. Amazing!