The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is often dismissed as mere financial aid— a label that is easy to say, but far removed from the daily realities of the families who rely on it. For its beneficiary families, it is not just a cash assistance. It is a commitment, making sure that their children go to school, avail themselves of health services, and take this opportunity to change for a different tomorrow. 

For Lindy Baraga, a former 4Ps monitored child from Barangay Sambagon, Pinamungajan, Cebu, the program, which is supported by taxpayers’ money, became a turning point.

In a community where many families rely on farming and small-scale labor, long-term goals are often set aside for daily needs. Lindy’s family was among those facing financial challenges when they became beneficiaries of the program in 2012.

Through 4Ps, the family received regular financial support for education and health, on the condition that they comply with key responsibilities such as children’s school attendance, regular health check-ups, and participation in Family Development Sessions (FDS).

“To be honest, I once felt ashamed of being a 4Ps beneficiary because of our family’s financial situation,” she admitted. “But looking back, it became a powerful tool that helped me reach where I am today.”

Recognizing that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty, the program also connects beneficiaries to opportunities such as the Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA), which supports deserving students from 4Ps households.

Lindy became one of its scholars.

“We received Php 60,000 per year for 4 years, totaling Php 240,000—all funded by taxpayers,” she said.

With this support, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management at Cebu Technological University. In 2018, at just 18 years old, she graduated Magna Cum Laude—a milestone that reflects both academic excellence and the impact of sustained support for education.

Today, Lindy works as an Office Manager in a psychiatric clinic in the United States of America, providing her with the capacity to support her family and her siblings. 

“Because of that opportunity, I am now able to support my family. I’ve sent my siblings to school using my own income—one is now a Licensed Professional Teacher, and two are still studying. We may not be rich, but we are no longer where we used to be,” Linda shared. 

True to the program’s goal of building self-reliant households, Lindy encouraged her family to voluntarily exit the program after achieving stability.

“After I graduated, I encouraged my mom to report our status so we could exit the program and give others the same opportunity,” she pointed out.

In October 2023, the Baraga family officially exited the program, opening opportunities for other families in need to benefit from the same support.

Now working abroad and holding a stable position, Lindy’s journey from a struggling household in Cebu to a professional career overseas highlights the long-term impact of investing in people, not just through government efforts, but through the contributions of taxpayers who fund programs like 4Ps.

“I am deeply grateful to every taxpayer who made this possible,” she said. “Your hard-earned money—money that could have been spent on your own needs and dreams—helped change my life,” Lindy added.

She also emphasized the importance of sustained investments in social services.

“I hope we continue to prioritize education and healthcare. These are long-term solutions that truly uplift lives,” she added.

From a remote barangay in Cebu to a professional career overseas, Lindy Baraga’s journey shows how support, when matched with determination, can lead to lasting change, not only for individuals but for entire families.

Her story stands as proof that behind every peso invested in 4Ps is a future waiting to unfold. – Repackaged by Niño Mel Hayno Trinidad, based on the original story submitted by Kerwin Macopia of DSWD Field Office 7