Pantawid Pamilya partner-beneficiaries who were grantees of Expanded Students Grants-in-Aide Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) now work at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VII (DSWD-7).

Christian Claven Joseph Inot, Mary Ann Olivar, Sarah Mae Albaña, Lea Araneta and Mayet Jumao-as who are all fresh graduates from the Cebu Normal University (CNU) Medellin Campus with a degree in Bachelor of Tourism Management applied for a job at DSWD-7 and were hired.

“Naswertehan kay sa kadaghang nangapply, naapil ko sa mga nadawat nga empleyado (I am lucky because there were many applicants and I am one of those who were hired),” enthused Mayet, 20 years old from Bogo City, Cebu.

Mayet shared that her parents provided support and encouragement in her pursuit for education but their finances would not suffice. “It was really hard but I am thankful that after my high school graduation, our Pantawid Parent Leader told us about the ESGP-PA and I never had second thoughts in taking the entrance exam in CNU Medellin Campus,” said Mayet in dialect.

When Mayet got the ESGP-PA slot she became more determined to study harder because as a grantee, Mayet was hopeful that she would finish college.

Lea was also thankful for having availed of the ESGP-PA, which provided her free tuition and monthly allowance.

“Some people say that education is not important and they even cite successful people who excelled in their field but did not finish their education. However, for poor people like me, education is a ticket to have a bright future,” said Lea, a 22 years old lass from Bogo City, Cebu.

Lea said she is not really a smart person but she graduated with flying colors because of sheer tenacity and diligence. She further advised the students like her to set their goals and dream big as she believes in the saying “sky is not the limit when there are footprints in the moon”.

Christian, Mary Ann and Sarah Mae said in unison that the program helped them strengthen the foundation in order for them to reach their dreams and to have a better future for their families.

All five of them work as a Social Welfare Assistant (SWA) under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of DSWD.

The ESGP-PA is implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

The program provided opportunities to 4Ps households who have children who are determined to pursue college education and qualified for the scholarship. A college degree for the children-beneficiaries opens an opportunity for them to access better employment and help them improve their lives. ###

(18) Views