Roshenel June Vicente and her family view their upcoming exit from the program not as an end, but as a graduation into self-sufficiency. They carry with them the lessons from years of Family Development Sessions (FDS) and the discipline of managing grants wisely.
At the heart of the bustling district of Lapuz, Iloilo City, lies the story of Roshenel June T. Vicente, a 23-year-old whose journey from a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary to a Magna Cum Laude professional serves as a testament to what happens when opportunity meets diligence.
The Vicente family story began in a household where every peso was earned through grit. Her father, Ronel, labored as a salesman, bringing home a minimum wage that had to stretch across a family of five. Meanwhile, her mother, Shirley, refused to let a hearing impairment limit her contribution; instead, she turned to the kitchen, crafting native delicacies to sell, while also serving as an on-call babysitter for relatives.
In 2012, the family became beneficiaries of the 4Ps. For the Vicentes, this wasn’t just a subsidy; it was a lifeline that ensured Roshenel and her two younger siblings could keep their dreams alive. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region VI and the 4Ps provided the means for them to achieve their goals of finishing their studies and securing stable employment. Roshenel understands that the program has its limits; therefore, the family maximized the knowledge her mother gained from the monthly FDS—including budgeting discipline, education prioritization, savings habits, shared family decision-making, and digital financial literacy.
From her early days at Bo. Obrero Elementary School, Roshenel distinguished herself as an “achiever.” That momentum carried her through Jalandoni Memorial National High School and eventually to Iloilo City Community College. With her tuition covered by the government, the financial weight on her parents’ shoulders lightened. They focused on the essentials—daily allowances and school projects—while Roshenel focused on excellence. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration, finishing with flying colors as a Magna Cum Laude.
As she reflects, “The 4Ps program didn’t just sustain my education; it gave me the space to showcase my potential.” A significant moment in her journey occurred in May 2015, when she was chosen to represent La Paz District in the Search for 4Ps Exemplary Children. Though she did not compete at the provincial level, the experience ignited a spark of confidence that would define her career.
In May 2025, while preparing for her college graduation, Roshenel joined the Cash-for-Work Program under DSWD6 KALAHI-CIDSS in the same region. By January 2026, she transitioned into a professional role as an Administrative Aide IV, currently serving in the Disaster Response Information and Management Section (DRMD).
Now the breadwinner, Roshenel has embraced her role as the “Ate” (eldest sister) with pride. She plays a vital role in helping her parents support her younger siblings so they can also finish college. Her second sibling, Shiron Jun, is currently a first-year student at the University of the Philippines Visayas taking up a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, while the youngest, Ronshi James, is in Grade 12 at St. Augustine School of Nursing Iloilo. She is proud to finally help her parents meet the needs of their family.
This year, as the Vicente family prepares to graduate from the 4Ps, their story affirms what the program was designed to do: provide temporary support that builds permanent capability. – Repackaged story by Alvin DG Santos / From Montessa Caoyonan of Field Office VI (Submitted by City Link Leslie M. Sandoval, La Paz District, Iloilo City, Iloilo POO)