Hailing from the town of San Mateo in the province of Rizal, the Munar family is one of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which is one of the key programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Despite the Munar family’s hardship and struggles, they were able to support their children’s education with help from 4Ps. Their story highlights the importance of family, support, and opportunities brought about by programs that bring hope to every Filipino.
4Ps Family from Rizal Shares Inspiring Journey
An article on the DSWD website features the inspiring journey of the Munar family, from their experiences before and after joining the 4Ps, and how the program has transformed their daily lives.
Interestingly, the family’s story is also featured in “Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago” (Stories of Hope and Transformation) or #KPAP, an online documentary produced by the Strategic Communications Group of the DSWD. The show is aired weekly, every Tuesday.
Humble Beginnings: A Daily Struggle
The Munar family is led by parents Calixto and Lysel Munar, who have three children. For the longest time, their source of income has always been planting and selling vegetables.
“Ang aming hanapbuhay kasi ay kumbaga gulay lang… Kung hindi po maganda yung ani namin, wala po kaming kikitain. Pag binagyo pa, walą po talaga kaming makukuha (Our livelihood was planting and selling vegetables. If the harvest was few or of poor quality, we would not earn much. When a storm comes, we really would not earn anything),” Lysel explained.
Aside from planting vegetables, Calixto took on other jobs to support their daily expenses, working as an electrician and sometimes repairing appliances. However, as their children got older, the family had a difficult time making both ends meet.
“Ang mister ko naman po, marunong naman po syang gumawa ng mga appliances… Pag po may tawag, yun po ang ini-extra income namin kung mayroon lang po. Pero pag wala po, walą rin pong sideline (My husband, he knows how to repair appliances. When there’s a call for service, we are able to get extra income from that. But if there’s none, then there’s no sideline)” Lysel added.
Seeking better opportunities, the family moved to different places, before settling in Barangay Pintong Bukawe. It was not an easy decision, but they were hoping to improve their living situation.
Joining the 4Ps Program
In 2013, the Munar family became a beneficiary of the 4Ps, a DSWD program that provides educational assistance, health assistance, and other benefits to indigent and low-income Filipino households.
Thanks to the monthly grants provided by the program, Lysel and Calixto were able to sustain their children’s education.
“Malaking tulong din sa mga anak ko lalo na po sa pag-aaral kasi yun lang naman po ang maiiwan ko sa mga anak ko eh, yung makatapos sa pag-aaral (It was a big help to my kids, especially their schooling, because that’s all I am able to give them, a complete education)” Lysel shared.
Indeed, the Munar family made the most of the financial assistance provided by the 4Ps program. In addition to focusing on their children’s health and education, they participated regularly in the program’s Family Development Sessions (FDS), an activity wherein Lysel was able to gain new knowledge and develop leadership skills.
Growing and Leading as a Family
“Mula noong napasama ako sa 4Ps, ginawa nila akong parent leader. Yung mga usapan sa gender training po, sabi ko masaya rin pala kasi nagkakaroon pa ako ng mga bagong kaibigan, bagong kakilala (Since I started joining the 4Ps, they have made me into a parent leader. The discussions on gender training, they were engaging and I also made new friends, new acquaintances),” Lysel said.
Even Lysel’s youngest child, Alyxis, benefited from the program, as he gained positive values that helped him as a student leader.
“Kilala din po ako na student leader po dito sa barangay namin. Kadalasan po kapag po may event yung barangay, kasama po lagi kami. Nakatulong po talaga iyon na maki-connect po ako sa mga bata at sa mga iba’t-ibang parte ng 4Ps dito sa community namin (I am known as a student leader here in our barangay. Usually, whenever there’s a barangay event, we are always included. It really helps that I am able to connect with children from different 4Ps areas here in our community)” according to Alyxis.
Being Recognized as “Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya”
Because of their determination and active participation in the community, the Munar family was recognized recently in an awarding ceremony for 4Ps members. They were announced second place in the Provincial Search for “Huwarang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino” (Exemplary Filipino Family) in the province of Rizal!
At present, the youngest child in the family is now in high school. In 2025, the family expects to “graduate” or exit from the program, which means that they have fully attained self-sufficiency level.
Reflecting on Their 4Ps Journey
Having been part of the program for the past 10 years, Lysel shared some of her thoughts and reflections.
“Malaking pasasalamat po ng buong pamilya ko dahil naging miyembro po kami ng Pantawid. Dahil sa haba po ng panahong natulungan po nila kami lalo na po są pag-aaral ng mga bata kasi yun po ang goal naming mag-asawa (My whole family is grateful because we became members of 4Ps. All this time, they have been helping us, especially in our children’s education, which is our goal as parents),” Lysel mentioned.
When Calixto was asked for a message to other 4Ps beneficiaries, he stated: “Sana po yung susunod sa amin kung sakaling may mga maging miyembro din, yung kaunting tulong ng gobyerno po ay malaking bagay para sa inyo, gamitin nyo lang sa tama (For those who will be future members, know that the government’s support is a big thing, so use it for the right purpose).”
Video: Munar Family Featured on KPAP
Watch the following video about the Munar family, as shared through the official Facebook page of DSWD:
About the 4Ps Program
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is the flagship program of the Philippine government when it comes to poverty reduction and social development. It provides financial grants to impoverished households, for the purpose of enhancing their children’s health, nutrition, and education. By doing so, it aims to break the cycle of poverty among generations.
Final Thoughts
The Munar family is just one among many households whose lives have been transformed by 4Ps. Their inspiring story shows that through hard work, determination, and support from such programs, the Filipino can overcome poverty and achieve their goals.
Other than 4Ps, the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is another initiative that has been benefiting many Filipino communities. Check out this article to learn how the program has contributed to the success of a beneficiary’s award-winning ginger tea business!