“I once thought of ending it all because I didn’t know where to get help,” said Stella Marie Loague.

She faced the uncertainty of not being able to finish her studies due to financial difficulties. On top of that, her parents separated, and as the eldest child, she felt the weight of responsibility with no one to turn to for support. Overwhelmed by her situation, she believed that the only way out was to end her life.

Born and raised in the town of Santander, Cebu, Stella Marie Loague experienced hardships in her early life. She described her mom as a dedicated housewife. Her father used to work on the farm and raised some livestock to support their education and for the family’s daily needs.

One day, for whatever reason, her parents decided to separate. She was 15 at that time.

“I was devastated when my parents separated because I had no moral or financial support for my studies,” shared Stella.

During Stella’s high school years. Her mother stood up to raise them alone. As the eldest child of three siblings, Stella felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.

“They ended up separating while I was attending high school. I felt heartbroken during that period because I was the eldest, and I was not sure where to find financial support for my school fees,” added Stella.

The burden of being both a student and the eldest daughter was so overwhelming that she considered ending it all. But, her desire to become a teacher and will to improve her family’s situation overpowered her dark thoughts.

“Fortunately, my persistence and endurance gave me the strength to continue and pursue my passion for teaching,” said Stella.

The coming of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in their lives also gave her a newfound hope to proceed in life. The financial support that she received from the program allowed her to focus on her studies, alleviating the pressures of finding financial support. Listahanan enumerators interviewed them on November 28, 2009, and registered on 4Ps on May 15, 2013.

When Stella was grades 9 and 10, she worked as a canteen assistant in the morning and attended classes from 4 in the afternoon up to 10 in the evening.

While looking for opportunities to enroll in Senior High School, Stella Marie also worked as a secretary at a manufacturing company in Mandaue City.

From Grades 11 to Grade 12, she continued as a working student, serving as a house helper.

During the pandemic in 2020, she earned by doing face to face tutoring for children. “During pandemic, ako ginatudluan akong mga silingan nga bata sa ilahang modules, specifically Math subjects.”

After the government lifted the community quarantine, online classes continued.  Stella worked as a Customer Service Representative (CSR) for almost six months in a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company based in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

Stella shared her challenging journey, but the 4Ps made it easier. The cash grants she received for each 4Ps payout became a lifeline, helping cover her daily expenses, school projects, and the costs related for her education

“Since I was a working student at the time, I was somewhat fortunate to have a money to help pay for my studies at Negros Oriental State University. I started using my income as soon as I got it to fulfill my entrance exam requirements. The support of my family helped me to pursue my dream career. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of my family and the assistance of 4Ps,” said Stella.

Despite the challenging situation, Stella Marie remained active in school and in the community.

During her Junior High School and Senior High School, she graduated with Honors. She also served as the Vice President of the Santander Advocates for Adolescent Health (SAAHD) Federation and as the Secretary of the Kabataang Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) Federation. She also won the Bangga sa Batbat 2022 during the KKDAT Summit held in Boljoon, Cebu under the supervision of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

For Stella, the 4Ps was more than just financial assistance—it was the bridge that connected her dreams to reality. It was also a spark of hope during the darkest times of her life.

Through her grit and determination, she graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics in 2023 and is now a licensed teacher. She is also earning units in Masters of Arts in Mathematics Teaching.

Living the life, she once dreamed of. She is now financially independent and supporting her family. She plans to give back to her community by offering free tutorials to her relatives and struggling learners in her community. She wants to spread the importance of education and help empower others.

Now, 4Ps tagged her household as CS 14, which means that there are no monitored children below 18 years old. The household already exited from 4Ps in 2024. “Humana tanan nakong igsuon sa highschool ug sa pagkakarun nag eskwela na sila sa college (All of my siblings are done in high school and they are now studying in college).”

Her sister, Alaica Mae is an incoming first year college student, while his brother, John Boyet is currently employed.

Stella is now working as an Associate Faculty support specialist in a BPO company based in Dumaguete City. Come July 1, 2025, she will join in-service training as a Mathematics teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas in Cebu City.

Her message to the youth is clear: “No matter how difficult the journey may seem, change is possible. The struggles they face today will only strengthen them for tomorrow.”

Like the saying “A drowning man will clutch at a straw” the story of Stella reminds us that in times of hopelessness, we can find the will to continue and hope in opportunities like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. ###