“Nang mapasali po kami sa Pantawid ay nagkaroon ako ng eagerness para mas matuto. Iniwan ko po muna ang pagtutulak sidecar. Kasalukuyan po ako ngayong nag-aaral ng Bachelor of Science in Public Administration,” shared Ma. Evelyn L. Puchero, 40, a Parent-Leader from Sta. Rita, Pampanga.
Ate Evelyn used to sell fruits and miryenda using a tribike, where she earns little. Ate Evelyn also verbalized that before they don’t have a house of her own and they used to live with her mother. Today, with the help of the government through Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and their own effort, their level of well- being increased. They now live in an improved house structure.
Another accomplishment of Ate Evelyn involves the educational and health status of her children.
“Nahihirapan noon ang mga anak ko sa pagpunta sa eskwelahan dahil wala silang pang baon pero ngayon naka-service na sila ng tricycle sa tuwing papasok sila sa eskwela nila, at nag kakaroon na din sila ng bagong uniform.”
But now, in their five (5) years of being a Pantawid beneficiary, Ate Evelyn is very thankful because her children’s educational needs are being met, regularly. “Masasabi ko po na malaking tulong po ang 4Ps sa amin. Simula noong dumating ang 4Ps natutustusan na po lahat ng mga gastusin sa eskwelahan at naibibili ko na po ng mga gamit ang aking mga anak.”
Also, during home visitation, Ate Evelyn proudly informed us that her children are excelling in their studies and are garnering award and medals in their schools.
Her eldest child is consistently the Top 1 in their class since Elementary, up-to-date, her High School days. She is also one of the editorial writers in their school newspaper. She also represents her school in other academic competitions. Her second child also achieved awards and medals, mainly on sports-related activities. Her third child also achieved awards and represents her school in academic competition especially in Mathematics and in drawing/ poster-making. Her fourth child was also recognized as the brightest student among the Day Care students.
Ate Evelyn signifies her value for education. According to her, education is one of the best gifts to give her children and education is the key to success. She always teaches her children to give importance to their studies. As a mother, Ate Evelyn is in full support to her children especially to their education.
She also received a Livelihood support Php5,000.00 (SEA-K) and was able to use it as a capital for her mini-business. Her husband work as construction worker and he earns 12,000php. She was also able to participate in the NC II Dressmaking course under the BUB Project of the government. She also became part of the Health Worker Team in their barangay; she actively participated in the community program and took part as a volunteer in implementing the feeding program in their barangay.
As a part of the lesson in the Family Development Session (FDS), Ate Evelyn said was also able to apply the lesson in her everyday living, like the topic in “Kahalagahan ng Pag-iimpok.” She was now able to save for her family. And, as a result of the empowering activities of the program, she serves as a resource speaker in some topic of the Family Development Session especially on health.
According to her, after five (5) years in the program, she became more active in the community. She is also thankful because even if the program will end she will forever be grateful for the knowledge and experienced she learned as a partner-stakeholder.
“Ang nadagdag po sa mga pangarap ko bilang isang magulang at Parent-Leader ay makatapos rin ako ng pag-aaral, na hindi lang yung pamilya ko yung matutulungan ko, pati ibang tao,” emphasized Ate Evelyn.
Aside from studying BS Public Administration in community college, she is also taking–up a track on Caregiving.
Written by: Jinky Ronquillo
