The eight (8) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ReyNanays who came from the different towns in the Central Visayas region underscored women’s empowerment despite the struggles they have been through.

In its second edition of 4Ps ReyNanay, a combination of two words, Reyna, or Queen, and Nanay, or Mother, the search pays tribute to empowered 4Ps mothers who made a significant impact and contribution to their community.

They were introduced to the public through their introduction and advocacy videos that were uploaded to the DSWD Region VII Facebook page. Families and friends of the eight 4Ps ReyNanay had the chance to show support through heart reactions and shares.

Bohol 4Ps ReyNanay

Leonora Doblas from Batuan and Evelyn Tapia from Buenavista will represent Bohol province.

Leonora Doblas, apart from being a barangay nutrition scholar and a barangay health worker, has been an active member of different associations and participated in many developmental activities in their locality.

Her family resides in Behind the Clouds, in the town of Batuan, and she recalled how difficult life had been for their family before enrolling in the program. With utmost determination and perseverance, she doubled her work in the barangay and also worked as a saleslady.

Together with her husband, their hard work paid off because all of their children are enrolled in school and received honors in class.

Evelyn Tapia is a hardworking person and is supported by her husband and children in looking for ways to make money. She is into collecting coconut shells, cooking snacks, selling viands, and peddling fish, just to make ends meet. She used to dream that her children would obtain an education, finish their studies, and have a stable job.

Aided by the 4Ps starting in 2011, the program paved the way for good things and opportunities. Now, four of her children have graduated from college, and two of them now work—a fireman and a teacher.

Currently, she serves as a barangay kagawad in Hunan, Buenavista and advocates backyard gardening in the neighborhood since she believes that having one could ensure household nutrition and lessen family expenses.

Cebu 4Ps ReyNanay

Meanwhile, three strong-willed and empowered mothers represent Cebu Province.

Anna Marie Loberanes from the City of Naga claimed that when she started in the program, she had no confidence and hesitated to share her thoughts during the Family Development Sessions (FDS). But as she continued to actively participate in all the activities of the program, she gradually became more confident and was selected as one of the 4Ps Parent Leaders.

She said that the 4Ps not only helped them in terms of finances but also molded them into responsible citizens in the community. She became a member of the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina, Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid, a Purok Secretary, and currently she is the Violence Against Women (VAW) desk officer in their barangay.

Aside from the 4Ps, her family also received a livelihood assistance grant through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), through which they put up a “sari-sari” store. As their business grows, they also venture into automated machines like “Peso Wi-Fi and Peso Tubig.” They were also able to build their own house and sustain the education of their four children, who are consistent honor students.

Mary Jean Ople, a farmer from Asturias, is a solo parent with eight children. She seeks ways to fulfill her role as a father and mother to her children.

She is also active in their community and participated in the KALAHI-CIDSS program, which funded road concreting in their barangay. She also serves as a 4Ps parent leader and as an active secretary in their chapel. She managed the trials gracefully and endured them because she believes that behind suffering is a hidden victory.

“Despite being busy with my own livelihood, I hope that I have shared something with my community. I would not mind being tired for as long as I can contribute a positive impact to my community,” added Mary Jean.

Audrey Secuya, representing Medellin, is also a solo parent and has to assume all parental roles and responsibilities for her four children. She endured enormous pain as a result of her separation from her husband but decided to learn to cope and continue living for her children.

With determination and tenacity, the help of national government agencies like TESDA and DOLE, and the support of the local government unit of Medellin, she learned various skills and is now a licensed massage therapist. Her hard work paid off, and now she is the proud mother of a licensed mechanical engineer.

“Gikan sa lugmok nga pagkatawo karun usa nako nga madasigon nga pagkababaye sa komunidad, modelo nga inahan, adunay baruganan ug adunay kahadlok sa Ginoo (From humble beginnings, I have grown into a dedicated community member, a model mother, and a woman of standing who has fear of the Lord),” shared Audrey.

Negros Oriental 4Ps ReyNanay

Bibiana Cadalin from Manjuyod and Elena Lanojan from Canlaon City will raise the banner of Negros Oriental.

Bibiana shared that the 4Ps provided a safety net during tough times. She was able to receive financial aid and health care services with the help of the program, and these interventions had a significant effect on her family’s well-being.

Due to her personal experiences, she decided to actively promote the program’s initiative in her neighborhood, especially in health and education. As an active 4Ps Parent Leader, she now serves as a program champion in her neighborhood and inspires them to hope and to persevere.

Elena is a widow and has nine children. Her life dream is to become a good example to all mothers who have raised their children well by putting God at the center of their homes.

She used to be a daycare worker and a barangay information desk officer. Currently, she is a PhilHealth Liaison Officer in her town and an active 4Ps Parent Leader in their community. She believes that God has a purpose in placing her in her present job position. Her advocacy is to provide information and assist all indigent families who need PhilHealth care benefits.

For Siquijor province, Margie Caliso will represent the town of Lazi.

Margie is a dedicated barangay health worker (BHW) and also takes a sideline as a sales lady in an RTW store during her spare time. She does not deny the fact that their impoverished situation is indeed a great challenge to pursuing their dreams. However, this did not hinder her motherly heart from supporting her children in reaching their dreams.

Now, one of Margie’s children is a degree holder with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and has a lucrative job. Her second child is a fourth-year college student, and the rest of her children are now in senior and junior high school.

The eight ReyNanays will further showcase their wit, poise, and personal style during the coronation night on June 15, 2023, at the Golden Peak Hotel in Cebu City.

The pageant continues to revolve around the theme “Inspiration and Aspiration,” which tackles each candidate’s inspirational stories and their aspiration to further uplift their family’s level of well-being with the help of the program. ###

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