It is said that life is a journey of finding one’s purpose – that the world is a big jigsaw puzzle and it is our goal to find where we fit perfectly. 

Four individuals found their places during one of the darkest phases of their lives – during a point when it is hard to believe that a better life awaits them. 

Jayson S. Sudla | Gerona, Tarlac

His family earns an average income. He was studying to become a nurse but his father suddenly lost his job as an OFW in 2007. With not enough money, Jayson wasn’t able to continue his college education; left at home with no productive things to do. In the same year, he was invited to join the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP).

His leadership potential exudes out of the shell. He rose from the ranks from being the PYAP President at the barangay and provincial level until he was voted as national PYAP President in 2010. This was the turning point of his life. He realized, “kung hindi ako magsisikap at magaaral, paano ko tutulungan ang mga kapwa ko kabataan, sino ang tutulong sa kanila?”. 

He decided not to continue his nursing program and took Social Work instead. He is now working as the Social Welfare Officer II in the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Gerona. He leads the Sectoral Program Section and he is also the Local Youth Development Officer. His work ultimately focuses on the empowerment of the youth at the barangay level.

Sherwin G. Lozano  | 27 years old | Tarlac City, Tarlac

Sherwin’s father is a Small Town Lottery collector. Because of economic instability, he was not able to continue his education after graduating from High School in 2008. He engaged in unproductive street life activities such as gambling. After two years, his senses hit him asking himself if that was really the kind of life he wanted to have.

He was introduced to PYAP in 2010 and rose from the ranks from a Barangay leader to a PYAP regional Auditor.

He served in their LGU which guided him to realize the path of social service, and granted him a scholarship to study social work. He shared that it was not still easy for him. He used the skills he learned from the training PYAP provided. He offered massage and cellphone repair services to aid him in his school expenses. He became a licensed Social Worker in 2014.

Today, he is working as a social worker at the Rehoboth Children’s Home, Inc., and a part-time college faculty at the United School of Science and Technology. He is currently writing his paper focused on case management of residents in childcare facilities, like Rehoboth, towards independent living. 

Youth’s welfare is still at the core of Sherwin’s heart. “Makita mo lang na ‘yung iba na umaangat din sa buhay kasabay mo, malaking bagay na ‘yun,” he said.

Aries P. Napao | 27 years old | Mexico, Pampanga

Aries lost his way despite desirable financial support from his mother working as an OFW. He brought disappointment to his family when he dropped out of school. He spent most of his time with unproductive engagements in the streets.

He worked in a rice field to produce food for carabaos. He also cultivated the land for corn and worked in a fishpond. “Ang pinakamahirap ‘yung tirik ang araw, tapos maglilipat ka ng isda sa fishpond,” he shared. 

In 2009, he encountered the chance to be a member of PYAP. Only 1 slot left for Government Internship Program (GIP). He took the chance and went to DSWD Regional Office 3 where he was asked to start right away and his first task was to swipe dust and clean the office. He was 17 years old at that time. 

He finally got back to school and continued to be in GIP from his 1st to 3rd college years. He said it was during the summer job at DSWD where his character was improved. He kept on saying to himself that one day, he will be part of the department and so he became in 2014, “naging way ‘yung PYAP para maging part ako ng DSWD,” he said. Today, he is serving the public as Administrative Assistant II in DSWD Extension Office of Pampanga.

Robert Estrella | 30 years old | Balagtas, Bulacan

Poverty has been settling in all corners of Robert’s life. His parents were able to send him to school only until high school, since then, he has been an out-of-school youth for 2 years. 

In 2006, he was invited to become a member of PYAP. With his active participation, he was elected as PYAP President at the municipal level. That is where he started being involved with social welfare and development programs. “Nakita ko ‘yung ganda ng mga programa ng DSWD, especially’ yung tinutulungan nila ang mga OSY na maging in-school…,” he said. 

This inspired him to be part of the department and took a college degree in Social Work (2013). It was not easy for him because he had to study while working. He lived independently and pour sweat to bridge his studies. He finished his program after six (6) years.

This year, his hard work came to fruition when he passed the 2019 Licensure Exam for Social Work. As a newly registered social worker, he envisions to affect change in the perception of the public that DSWD is all about rescuing street children and minors, but the department is also serious in assisting the youth sector in building and reaching their dreams.

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. – Pablo Picasso

If you want to help any out-of-school youths, you may link them to your local PYAP at the City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office. Partnerships and donations may also be directed to them

Story by Reiner L. Grospe

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