“Kung kaya nila, kaya rin natin.”

This powerful belief guided Laila B. De Viana, an Indigenous woman from the Manide community in Sitio Kalibigaho, Osmeña, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, as she walked across the graduation stage to become the first college graduate in her tribe.

With a degree in Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education, major in Food Service Management, Laila’s achievement marks a historic milestone for the Manide community, made possible through determination, faith, and the support of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Laila is an active grantee under the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples (MCCT-IP), a 4Ps initiative tailored to support the country’s most marginalized groups. Her journey is more than personal success, but serves as an inspiration and hope for Indigenous youth and mothers alike.

A mother’s dream rekindled

After halting her education for eight years to raise a family, Laila could have easily accepted a life of routine. But deep within, her dream remained alive.

“Nang dumating ang 4Ps sa amin, isa ito sa naging dahilan kung bakit muli akong nagkaroon ng pag-asa,” she shared.

As a mother of two, now in Grade 6 and Grade 4, Laila knew that setting an example was the greatest legacy she could pass on.

“Nakapag-aral ang mga anak ko, at ako bilang isang ina, isang katutubo, ay naglakas-loob na bumalik sa paaralan,” she added.

Her decision to return to school was not easy. It meant juggling responsibilities at home, enduring long walks to class, and battling societal biases against Indigenous Peoples. But for Laila, every hardship only fueled her desire to succeed, not just for herself, but for her community.

From stigma to strength

In a society where Indigenous Peoples often face exclusion and misunderstanding, Laila stood tall. Her presence in a college classroom challenged stereotypes. Her success shattered them.

“Hindi ito naging madali. Pero hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa. Ang 4Ps ang naging tulay para ituloy ko ang nasimulan kong pangarap,” she explained.

Her goal now? To pass the licensure exam and secure a teaching position where she can share her knowledge and uplift her fellow Manide.

“Kung makakapasa ako sa board exam, mas lalo kong mapapatunayan na walang imposibleng sa taong may pangarap—katutubo man o hindi,” she declared with conviction.

A message to fellow parents

As the country celebrates Cultural Communities Week in the second week of July, Laila’s story shines as a tribute to the resilience and potential of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines.

To her fellow parents and 4Ps beneficiaries, she offers this advice: “Pagsikapan natin na makapag-aral ang mga anak natin. Kumustahin sila araw-araw. Kapag nararamdaman nila ang suporta ng magulang, mas lumalakas ang loob nila.”

She reminds everyone that the assistance received through 4Ps should not be taken for granted; it should be maximized as an investment in education, empowerment, and long-term change.

Under the 4Ps, eligible households are given conditional cash grants for their children’s education, health and nutrition. The program also empower the 4Ps beneficiaries through the regular Family Development Sessions (FDS), providing essential skills and knowledge about various aspects of family well-being, including health, nutrition, education, savings/budgeting, and positive parenting.

More than just a personal achievement, Laila’s graduation is a celebration of the cultural identity she carries, the hope she embodies, and the future she’s helping build for the next generation of Manide learners. #