Wherever one goes, there are women who stand as pillars of strength in their families and communities, and whose resilience and dedication go beyond their homes, shaping the future of their children and inspiring those around them. 

Fe F. Malunes, a beneficiary of the  Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Bgy. Candawaga, Rizal, Palawan, has exemplified the program’s core values, ensuring that her six children receive proper education while extending her influence beyond her household. Today, four of her children are college graduates and building families of their own, while the remaining two continue their academic pursuits. Her dedication as a mother has not only secured a brighter future for her children but has also inspired many in her community.

As a 4Ps Parent Leader, Fe also proves that empowerment begins with love, service, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life for all. Through her initiatives, she has helped to transform the education practice in their community, by voluntarily teaching non-formal education classes in underserved communities like Sitio Maruso, which is a five-kilometer hike from the barangay center.

Fe’s contribution is a testament and an inspiration to the whole 4Ps and Filipino families, as she has shown her unwavering commitment to serve the wider community even in life-threatening situations such as being swept away by floodwaters while crossing a bamboo bridge just to reach her students.

Her efforts have brought light into the lives of the community, bringing a significant boost to literacy rates among indigenous people (IP), children, and even adults, especially when the Maruso Elementary School was established in 2014. 

At present, the school serves as a formal learning facility that serves as an essential resource for the community, laying a solid foundation for children’s academic success. Fe, on the other hand, has continued to grow as a community leader and currently works as a Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Staff in their barangay. She remains active in various associations and organizations, earning awards and commendations for her dedicated service.

Fe is more than just a 4Ps beneficiary, she is a woman of strength, sacrifice, and service. Her story is just one of many among the thousands of women under the 4Ps program who redefine what it means to be empowered. These women are not only caregivers but also educators, leaders, and advocates for positive change. Their stories remind us that through perseverance and community spirit, they help shape a brighter future for the next generation. 

This Women’s Month, let us recognize and appreciate the strength of every 4Ps woman who continues to make a difference, proving that when women rise, families and communities thrive. #