Like other poor families, Marife Arellano Bejer and her family faced daily financial struggles, trying to make ends meet. Her husband, Moises, worked tirelessly as a security guard and sole breadwinner, striving to provide for their family’s basic needs like food, clothing, and other necessities.

Reflecting on their early days as a couple, Marife said, “Kaniadtong wala pa kami naapil sa 4Ps, lisud gyud ang adlaw-adlaw nga pagtubag sa among mga panginahanglanun labi na akong bana ra ang gatrabaho isip usa ka security guard nga wala pay lisensya (Before we became part of 4Ps, it was really hard to provide with our daily needs, especially that my husband was the only one working as a security guard without even a license).”

In 2011, Marife and her family experienced a positive turn of events when they were selected as recipients of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a government program administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the goal of aiding families in ensuring their children’s education and overall well-being. The implementation of this program not only provided economic assistance, but also presented a multitude of opportunities that significantly altered the course of their lives.

“Tungod sa 4Ps, naay niabag sa amoa aron makahatag kami sa mga panginahanglanun sa among mga anak nga gaeskwela, sa ilang mga school project ug allowance padung eskwelahan. Dako nga alibyo sa akoa isip inahan labi sa pag budget sa among income ug galastuhan sa panimalay (Because of 4Ps, there was augmentation support so that we can provide the school needs of our children like for their school project and allowance. It was already a big relief for me as a mother especially, in budgeting our income and our household expenses),” said Marife.

SLP program beneficiary

Aside from being a 4Ps partner-beneficiary, Marife also became a program participant under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), another DSWD program that aimed to address the livelihood and employment opportunities of the 4Ps beneficiaries.

This significant boost from SLP through the provision of skills helped Moises secure a license as a security guard. Having a license, he had access to better-paying jobs and more stable employment opportunities.

This newfound qualification helped secure their main source of income. No longer was he limited to unstable work assignments; he could now seek positions that offered job security and benefits, greatly improving their financial situation. Today, Moises has worked as a licensed security guard under the Lancer Agency, assigned to a private residence under the Lancer Agency since 2015.

Moreover, the SLP offered other skills training to create additional income streams. Moises attended a carpentry training course, equipping him with valuable skills that diversified his employment options. This training not only improved their financial situation but also boosted their confidence and morale.

Marife, too, found empowerment as she attended skills training in baking including bread and pastries. She proudly completed the course and earned a certificate, which became a turning point in her life.

Armed with her new skills, Marife started baking and selling delicacies and became an instant hit especially during holidays and special occasions. Her delicious treats like maja blanca, tapioca, mango float, and fruit salad quickly gained popularity among her friends and neighbors, allowing her to contribute significantly to the family’s income.

The skills improvement did not stop in baking, as she also participated in a massage therapy course facilitated by the Holy Cross Parish in Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City, sponsored by the Union Bank of the Philippines. After the training, the church provided the group with a space and a schedule to provide a reflexology massage to customers. This additional skill further broadened her opportunities to earn a living for her family.

“Dako gyud ang tabang sa mga skills training nga among naapilan kay nakahatag kini oportunidad kanamo aron malambo among kaugalingon ug among family (This skills training greatly helped in providing opportunities for us to develop ourselves and our family),” underscored Marife.

Their seven (7) children, especially the monitored ones who benefited from the 4Ps, excelled in their studies. The sense of security and the ability to plan for the future brought immense relief and hope to the Bejer family.

As part of Marife’s dream of having her own baking business in the future, she is planning to expand her products and supply in different local stores and markets. The dream of having a reputation for delicious and high-quality delicacies that spread beyond their barangay will bring in more orders and would help increase her baking income.

“Ganahan sad ko makatudlo sa ubang kababayen-an sa among barangay nga ganahan magsugod og negosyo sa baking aron naa pud sila’y laing pangita (I would also like to teach other women in our barangay who are interested in starting to have their own baking business for additional income),” added Marife.

Marife underscored the right mindset in grabbing opportunities and making the most of them.

“Kung adunay oportunidad nga gihatag, apil dayun ug kat-onon kini kay basin dili na kini mobalik pa sa sunod, labi na kung kini libre nga skills training. Dili ta magsalig sa income sa atong mga bana kay kitang mga inahan ang magsagubag unya unsaon pagbudget sa mga galastuhan sa panimalay (If there is an opportunity, you should participate and learn from it because this might only come once, especially if this is a free skills training. We should not depend on the income of our husband because us housewives we are the ones who are struggling in budgeting the expenses of the household),” she shared.

The community around them began to notice the positive changes in the Bejer family. Marife and her husband became advocates of 4Ps and SLP sharing their story and encouraging other struggling families to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the government and its partner stakeholders.

To give back to the opportunities availed by their family, Marife decided to become a volunteer under the Kabalikat Civic Communicators Philippines Inc. which engaged in public assistance, particularly during disasters and emergencies.

Self-sufficient

The couple’s combined efforts allowed them to provide their children with better educational opportunities. The kids no longer had to worry about financial constraints affecting their studies. The children excelled academically and participated in extracurricular activities, which further enriched their lives and prepared them for future job opportunities.

Their seven children include Jovan Rey, a food vendor, and Jezil Jane an online business seller.

The third child, Jaystone Moses is a BPO worker. Jonna May has her own family now.

The monitored children under 4Ps are Jhastin Moses and Jhuanita Marie are in grade 11, while the youngest, Joshua Clark is in grade 9.

The family stood as living proof that with determination, self-discipline, and the right support from the government and private sector, families could overcome poverty and achieve a better quality of life.

Grateful for the transformative impact of DSWD programs on Marife’s family, she shared that one should be self-disciplined and determined to change their situation to achieve their goals in life.

The story of Marife Arellano Bejer and her family is a shining example of how the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the Sustainable Livelihood Program, and the support of various partners, can become a beacon of hope that can change their lives. ###

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