“Mga kaibigan, huwag kayong matakot lumipad, ibuka niyo ang inyong mga pakpak dahil malaya kayong abutin ang inyong mga pangarap (My friends, do not be afraid to fly, spread your wings for you are free to soar high to achieve your dreams).”
This was the message of David Manansala, a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program whose story of change was featured in the photo exhibit and documentary film dubbed “Malaya Kang Mangarap” (Dreaming is Free), which was launched yesterday at the Ayala Museum.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the World Bank Group worked hand in hand to put up the exhibit and produce the documentary film that reflect the positive changes brought by the program on the lives of the 4.6 million beneficiaries nationwide.
David graduated as valedictorian at the Maligaya High School in 2015. He continues to excel as a Civil Engineering Student at the University of the Philippines. His mother, Gloria, 46, is a plain housewife while his father Angelino, 44, is a jeepney driver. He has five siblings.
In 2013, David’s father had a nervous breakdown that forced him to quit work. David, who was then in 3rd year high school, sold gelatin in school to help his mother earn for their family.
David received warm applause from the audience when he recited a poem, his original composition, that chronicles the many aspects of his life and other Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. Through his poem, he also expressed his gratitude to the help that has been extended to them.
“Kulang ang tulang ito upang ipaabot ang aming pasasalamat nang lubos. Ipinanalangin na ang biyaya’y di mawala, kailanma’y di maubos. Sapagkat ito ang aming sandata upang karukhaa’y matapos. Di na muling maibabaon, sa kahirapa’y di na magpapagapos (This poem is not enough to express our thanks. We pray that blessings continue to pour, because these are our weapon to end our deplorable condition. Never again shall we be trapped and chained into poverty),” expressed David as he read a verse from his poem.
He hoped that through the exhibit, the public will have a better understanding and appreciation on the impact of the program on the lives of beneficiaries.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman recognized the efforts of David to excel for his family.
“This is what “Malaya Kang Mangarap” is all about – the change the poor have been able to carve out in their own lives and in the communities they belong to. It is the story of the 4.6 million families who prove every day that the poor are not mere recipients of help, but are builders of change. They are as much a part of the fabric of reform as you and I,” Sec. Soliman said in her short message during the launch.
Sec. Soliman also urged the beneficiaries to continue dreaming as this is free and with a dash of perseverance and determination, the dream indeed can come true like what happened to David.
The launching was also attended by World Bank officials, DSWD partner-agencies, and selected Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries.
The photos were taken by photographer Francisco Guerero. He also directed the documentary film.
The public is invited to visit the exhibit at the 2nd Floor of the Ayala Museum until today, Friday.