“Poverty is not a hindrance to success” as the popular adage goes. This holds true as proven by the four Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries who aced the 2022 Social Worker Licensure Examination (SWLE) held last February.
John Michael V. Acuzar graduated Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) at Caraga State University (CSU), ranked 5th with 84% rating, while fellow alumni Jovelyn C. Estrera and Regine Mae Dagohoy both placed 9th with 82.20% ratings. Meanwhile, Marissa Toca Dondriano, who graduated with the same degree from Palawan State University (PSU) Puerto Princesa, ranked 8th with 82.60% rating. CSU is one of the top-performing schools in the 2022 SWLE as per Commission Resolution No. 2017-1058(C) series of 2017, with a 100% passing rate, while PSU’s overall passing rate is at 92.31%.
To John Michael, hardships, poverty, and faith in God are the best incentives and the best foundation for man’s success. “Allow yourself to grow and achieve the goals you want despite your status in life. I believe that 4Ps is one of those many government programs that are very effective in alleviating the Filipino people from the cycle of poverty. I think that it empowers every household beneficiary to achieve a more significant opportunity in society by investing in the education and health of their children. I, myself, am one of those many students who have witnessed the program’s success. To students, never stop learning. Be critical of social realities, and have the right view in life that will serve as your compass. More importantly, be humble, pray, and always ask guidance from our Supreme Being,” he added.
John Michael is the child of a Pantawid beneficiary- Mr. Anatalio J. Acuzar and Mrs. Rulita V. Acuzar of Barangay Tagabaca, Butuan City. He graduated as Cum Laude last 2021.
“To my fellow Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, just keep dreaming. I can prove that poverty is not an obstacle if you persevere and work hard.” shared Marissa Dondriano, a former child monitored for education compliance of the DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Agutaya, Palawan.
Jovelyn C. Estrera belongs to a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) registered household. Her family is currently residing in Sta. Irene, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. She also won 3rd Prize during the 2019 4Ps Caraga Filmmaking Contest with the entry titled “Gulay is Life.”
In her post on Facebook, Regine Mae Dagohoy said: “Thank you also ESGP-PA Scholarship because I was able to pursue four years in college. I am a proud 4Ps beneficiary, and truly being poor is not a hindrance as long as you are persistent, and you have God with you”. She graduated as Cum Laude.
The achievements of the three beneficiaries is considered as one of the Program’s milestones and serves as an indication that the Program’s goal of helping the beneficiaries to have an improved level of well-being is attainable.
4Ps is a program of the national government implemented through the DSWD that invests in human capital by providing cash grants to program beneficiaries upon compliance to certain conditionalities in aspects of health, nutrition, and education. This includes sending and keeping their school-aged children in school; pre and post-natal care for mothers; regular and preventive check-ups for children aged 5 and below; deworming for children aged 14 and below; and attendance in the monthly FDS. The FDS provides psychosocial and psycho-educational components.
As of October 31, 2021, the Program has more than four million household beneficiaries nationwide, of which, 1.74 million are either farmer, fisher folk or forester.#