Lina and Roger Sotelliza had always dreamed of building a secure and comfortable life for their family. However, reality hit hard, and challengers confronted their journey. Their story began in the bustling city of Talisay, where they met while working as shellcraft artisans.

Despite the hard work and determination of the couple, they struggled to make ends meet. With the modest income from their employment in the shell craft business, Roger’s seasonal job as a carpenter often kept the family afloat. Meanwhile, Lina devoted her time to caring for their growing family of eight (8) children.

The Sotelliza family eventually transferred to Barangay Poblacion, nestled in a quaint rural town of Alcantara, Cebu.

Life was a constant juggle of balancing limited resources to meet the needs of their large family. With only one consistent income, they often struggle to make ends meet. The dream of providing a better future for their children seemed distant, overshadowed by the harsh reality of daily survival.

In their need of assistance, they sought help from various government agencies and community organizations. Hoping for a brighter future, Lina and Roger have persevered for their children.

4Ps Beneficiary

On December 9, 2011, the life of the Sotelliza family changed for the better when they became beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The program is a conditional cash transfer from the national government, which aims to help identify poor households, focusing on health and education. Among the eight children, three (3) benefited from the program – Roglen, Rolaiza, and Daniella.

As the family embraced the program, they also fulfilled specific conditions to continue receiving the support. They attended regular health check-ups, ensured up-to-date vaccination of their children, and committed to keeping them in school. In return, they received cash grants that would help improve their quality of life.

With the support of the 4Ps, Roger and Lina invested in their children’s education, providing them with the necessary school supplies, uniforms, allowance, and even school contributions. Their family became cohesive and healthier as they regularly attended the monthly Family Development Session (FDS), which provides value formation and educational topics.

Their eldest son, Ian Gay, became their beacon of hope. Determined to break the cycle of poverty, he pursued a vocational course and eventually secured a job at an accounting firm. His success gave a glimmer of hope for the family, helping his parents pay their monthly household expenses.

The second child, Rolyner, followed in his father’s footsteps and now works as a carpenter.

Geralyn and Gillian, the third and fourth children, respectively, were able to graduate from college with the support of their relatives, defying the odds stacked against them.

Geralyn ventures into being a seafarer, providing vital financial stability for the family. Currently, she navigates halfway around the world as a personnel of a cruise liner.

Meanwhile, Gillian achieved economic prosperity by managing a thriving rental property business supported by her loving husband.

Roglen, one of the monitored children, is now married and works as a security guard.

Argelin, the sixth child, will soon graduate from college with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering degree, buoyed by the support of her siblings and the educational assistance from the office of the Cebu 7th district representative, Peter John D. Calderon.

The youngest children, Rolaiza and Daniella, are incoming Grade 12 and Grade 10 students, respectively.

As their children started to carve their niche, Lina began to work as a barangay health worker (BHW), using her nurturing nature to serve her community while venturing into sideline businesses such as food vending and selling various beauty products. These additional sources of income, coupled with Roger’s carpentry work, gradually improved their financial stability.

Lina and Roger also managed to build their own house, symbolizing their resilience and determination to provide a better life for their children. As time passed, they moved closer to their goal, ensuring their children had the opportunities they never had.

Self-sufficient level

The Sotelliza family’s journey from survival to self-sufficiency was a testament to their unwavering determination to lift themselves out of poverty. Through their hard work, they not only thrived but also became an inspiration to their neighbors.

With the support of the 4Ps, the Sotelliza family embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. Each member acquired valuable skills and knowledge, paving the way for their self-sufficiency. Lina’s involvement in Cebu Economic Ventures provided her with social security and empowered her to contribute actively to the family’s prosperity.

Their commitment to health and hygiene was evident in their access to safe drinking water, sanitary toilet facilities, and proper waste management practices. Their sturdy concrete home, equipped with galvanized iron sheet roofing and safe lighting facilities, represents their secure and comfortable life.

Education was also prioritized for all their children, ensuring that each one had the opportunity to obtain a higher level of education. With their parents’ guidance and support, children excelled academically, laying the foundation for a brighter future.

Empowered by knowledge and awareness, the Sotelliza family became prepared for disasters. Their understanding of disaster risk reduction and management has equipped them to address social issues such as gender-based violence. Well-versed in their rights and responsibilities, Lina and Roger led by example, fostering equality, love, and respect within their household.

The family finally graduated from the 4Ps on March 22, 2024, as they achieved level 3 based on the Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI), a case management tool used by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to determine the progress of the 4Ps households by measuring their level of well-being in terms of economic sufficiency and social adequacy.

In every aspect of their lives, the Sotelliza family exemplified determination. Their success was not measured solely by their material possessions but by their ability to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.

“Ang makanunayon nga pagpaningkamot, paglahutay sa mga hagit, ug makugihon nga pagtrabaho mao ang mga susi padulong sa kalampusan (The consistency in your determination, the ability to overcome challenges, and your hard work are the keys towards success),” said Lina.

Lina’s words resonated deeply with all 4Ps partner beneficiaries, encapsulating the essence of their shared journey towards self-sufficiency. Her message served as a beacon of inspiration, reminding them that through persistent effort, resilience in the face of challenges, and unwavering dedication, they could achieve their dreams in life. ###

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