“Ang akong tanang sakripisyo nga gibuhat kay alang sa akong mga anak. Sila ang bahandi sa akong kinabuhi (All of the sacrifices that I made are for all my children. They are my treasures in my life),” said Roselyn M. Cabido, a 47 years old and a 4Ps beneficiary from Brgy. Obong, Dalaguete, Cebu, as a testament to her resilience, hard work, and love for children.

As a solo parent, Roselyn has been raising her four (4) children on her own, navigating numerous challenges with unwavering determination. Despite the struggles, she remains committed to providing a better future for her children.

She has been an active grantee of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for 12 years, providing augmentation support to her family, especially for her children’s education and nutrition.

Roselyn said that the cash grants she received from the program provided relief, especially in purchasing school supplies and school allowances for her children.

“Dako gayud ang tabang sa programa kay naka-abag kini sa pagbudget sa mga panginahanglanon sa akong mga anak labi na nga usa ko nga solo parent ug ako ra ang nangita para sa among pamilya (The program greatly helped our monthly expenses on the needs of my children, especially that I am a solo parent and I am the only one working for my family),” added Roselyn.

Solo parent

Despite the challenges of being a solo parent, it did not hinder her from serving as a 4Ps Parent Leader, which reflects her active involvement in the program. Aside from that, Roselyn works as a Barangay Health Worker (BHW), tirelessly serving her neighbors and the community to ensure better health and well-being.

To support her family further, Roselyn takes on multiple side jobs. She does laundry for her neighbors and works as a house helper in downtown Dalaguete.

Despite these demanding roles, she manages to juggle everything, ensuring her children are well cared for and their needs met. She wakes up early and works late into the night, driven by a deep love and sense of responsibility toward her children.

“Dili lalim nga mag-inusara nga mokayod alang sa imong mga anak apan isip inahan buhaton nako ang tanan para lamang kanila (It is not easy in raising your children alone but as a mother I will do everything for them),” said Roselyn.

Her motivation comes from the success of her children, who are thriving academically and achieving great things despite the financial and personal challenges they face. Roselyn takes great pride in her children’s accomplishments, and it is their dedication that fuels her everyday efforts.

Roselyn pursued her studies and recently graduated in Grade 12 with honors through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd). She expressed that if a night school offered a college course, she would happily enroll to fulfill her lifelong dream of obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

Her eldest son, Andrew Russel, has already graduated from Grade 12 and is determined to pursue a career as an engineer. He dreams of having a stable job that will help him and allow him to support his mother and his siblings in the future. His determination and focus are a true reflection of the values Roselyn has instilled in him.

Currently, Andrew Russel helps her mother while working in a construction job in their town. He will still pursue his dream course in the next school year.

The three (3) monitored children under the program are Angel Rose, Aaron Roi, and Angelie Rona.

Her daughter, Angel Rose, has been a consistent achiever since kindergarten, receiving numerous awards like Most Behaved, Most Active, Best in Attendance, Sparkler, Most Honest, Girl Scout Awardee, and Best in Math, among others. She is presently a Grade 11 student at the Dalaguete National High School.

Considering that her mother is the only one working in their family, Angel Rose also tried her best to look for scholarships that could help sustain her education. Since Grade 7, she has been in the scholarship program under the Philippine Mining Service Corporation (PMSC) – Alcoy Dolomite Plant and the Dalaguete Municipal Scholarship Program.

She aspires to become a lawyer, motivated by a strong sense of justice and a desire to help others. Angel Rose is not only a bright student but also a role model for younger children in their community, showing them that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.

The third child, Aaron Roi, is currently in Grade 10 and has already demonstrated an exceptional talent in both arts and mathematics. He has earned awards like Best in Arts, Best in Math, Perfect Attendance, and has been recognized for his cooperative and prudent nature.

Aaron Roi’s creativity, combined with his academic excellence, has made him a standout student, and he plans to continue developing his skills in these areas. He is proof that talents come in many forms, and with the right support, children can thrive in a variety of disciplines.

The youngest child, Angelie Rona, is a Grade 7 student who excels academically. She has received several awards, including Best Athlete and Best in Math. Additionally, the school recognized Angelina Rona for her courteous, cheerful, and enthusiastic attitude.

Her positive outlook on life and her dedication to both academics and extracurricular activities have made her a well-rounded student.

Despite the obstacles she faces as a solo parent, Roselyn remains committed to her children’s futures. Roselyn believes in the power of education and works tirelessly to ensure that her children can achieve their dreams.

She may not have all the resources she wishes she could offer, but she has shown that love, hard work, faith, and a strong sense of purpose can make all the difference.

Her story is a testament to the idea that no matter the circumstances, with perseverance, dedication, and the support of the government through 4Ps, families can overcome hardships and achieve self-sufficiency level.

The story of Roselyn is not just about the journey of a mother; it serves as an inspiration to countless families, particularly those in the 4Ps program, who may have faced similar challenges.

Her determination to provide a better life for her children, fueled by their academic success, demonstrates that anything is possible.

“Dili gyud mawad-an og paglaum ug maningkamot nga makab-ot ang mga pangandoy sa kinabuhi mao nga naninguha pud ko nga makahuman og eskwela bisan paman sa akong edad ug nag balanse sa mga trabahuon (Do not lose hope and continue to persevere to reach your dreams in life that is why I pursued my studies despite my age and juggling different jobs),” said Roselyn.

Roselyn is confident that her children’s future is bright, and she is determined to keep supporting them every step of the way. ###