Former 4Ps Beneficiary to Represent PH at UN Event in Luxembourg

A national poverty reduction strategy that targets the poorest, the most vulnerable, and marginalized sectors — this is what the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps is all about. By providing educational, medical, livelihood, and other types of aid, this program has helped numerous families all over the country.

Hence, it is all the more inspiring when we hear about the success of former 4Ps beneficiaries. One amazing example is the daughter of a former household-beneficiary, who is currently preparing to represent the Philippines in a prestigious international event. Wow!

Former 4Ps Beneficiary to Represent PH at UN Event in Luxembourg
Image Credit: Department of Social Welfare and Development / Facebook

Former 4Ps Beneficiary to Join Global Learning Event

In press release, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez stated that a former 4Ps beneficiary will be attending the Luxembourg Global Learning Event of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA).

According to Asst. Sec. Lopez, Hanelie Millamina-Lopez, who hails from Barangay Canan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur, will be joining the event, which will be held on March 19 to 21, 2024.

“Hanelie is an employee of our Bicol Region Field Office as Project Development Officer II and designated as the Regional Indigenous People Unit Focal,” Asst. Sec. Lopez stated.

“She was nominated and eventually chosen to be part of the UN learning activity because of her exemplary articulation and representation on IP rights during an Enhancing Resilient Communities (ERC) Flagship Initiative in Tiwi, Albay last December 2023,” he added.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

For her part, Haneli expressed excitement on being chosen for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to represent the Philippines.

“I feel so excited as the event offers me a valuable platform to engage with international peers and effectively enhance my knowledge in working with Indigenous Peoples and other sectors we serve,” she explained. “It serves as a platform not only for learning but also for sharing valuable insights from my own experiences.”

“Our goal is to uphold fairness, equity and inclusivity in our efforts,” Hanelie stressed. “Also, I am to share experiences and promote the Indigenous Peoples Rights and Social Inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind in our mission to improve the lives of those we serve.”

From Humble Beginnings

As a child, Hanelie witnessed how her parents struggled to make ends meet to take care of her and her 10 siblings. Her father is a farmer, while her mother stayed at home to take care of them.

Hanelie and her siblings had to walk several kilometres to go to school because they could not afford local transport. Many times, they also had to go to school without any allowance for meals.

After finishing high school, Hanelie and her older brother decided to stop schooling to help earn additional income for the family. Fortunately, in 2009, her family was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of 4Ps. She decided to go back to school, and, along with her siblings, they studied hard until they finished college.

In 2015, Hanelie finished her AB Sociology degree with Latin honors (cum laude). After graduation, she was hired by DSWD Field Office-5, which enabled her to help support her family’s needs. Eventually, in 2017, her family waived their household’s membership from the 4Ps, since they are now able to sustain their needs.

Final Thoughts

Without a doubt, Hanelie’s experience is an inspiring “4Ps success story” that we can all learn from. Indeed, hers is a great example of how — through hard work, dedication, and support — even those from humble beginnings can achieve much and reach great heights!

Aside from the 4Ps, the DSWD implements other programs for different sectors. It also supports initiatives for various sectors, including the promotion of rights and privileges of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Amazing!