“The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is not just assistance, it is inspiration. Because of this program, we learned to dream big and to act with purpose. We may not be perfect, but each of our children is proof that with cooperation, discipline, and faith, poverty can be overcome.”

These words reflect the journey of Violeta Bawalan Guloy, a 55-year-old mother from Barangay Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City, Kalinga, whose life story is one of resilience, hope, and transformation. 

Born and raised in the Municipality of Pasil, Kalinga, Violeta carried a simple but powerful dream—to give her children a better life through education. In 1989, she married Rolando Eco Guloy, a farmer. While their love was strong, their early years together were marked by hardship. As on-call farm laborers without land of their own, their income was uncertain and often insufficient to meet their family’s basic needs. 

Despite the daily struggles, Violeta and Rolando refused to surrender to poverty. They worked tirelessly, drawing strength from each other and from their deep faith in God. Education remained their top priority. Even when resources were scarce, they found ways to keep their children in school—borrowing money, selling vegetables, and taking on any work available—just to provide school allowances and ensure that learning would continue.

Their lives changed in 2012 when they became beneficiaries of the 4Ps. This marked a turning point for the Guloy family. The financial support helped ease the burden of educational expenses, while the Family Development Sessions (FDS) equipped Violeta with valuable lessons on budgeting, financial planning, and responsible parenting. Gradually, uncertainty was replaced with direction, discipline, and renewed hope.

Years of perseverance bore remarkable fruit. Their eldest daughter, Ruby, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Commerce and now has a family of her own. Haydee finished Hotel and Restaurant Management and settled in Cavite with her family. Though Raymar was unable to complete his college thesis in Agriculture, he chose to support his parents and help send his younger siblings to school—proving that success is not measured by titles alone, but by sacrifice and responsibility.

The family’s pride continued to grow. Claire earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering and now serves as a police officer in Bicol. Judy passed the Midwifery licensure examination and works at a Korean hospital in Cavite. Roldan completed Electrical Engineering and is now a Marine. Amy is pursuing a degree in Psychology, while the youngest, Kingston, is a Grade 11 student at Kalinga National High School.

From a life once defined by struggle and dependence, the Guloy family now stands strong—self-reliant, hopeful, and purposeful. The 4Ps program was not merely financial aid; it reshaped their mindset and strengthened their values. It taught them to prioritize education, manage resources wisely, and believe in their own potential.

With heartfelt gratitude, Violeta and her family acknowledge the role of the DSWD and the 4Ps in shaping their journey. For them, the program opened doors to opportunity and inspired lasting change. Today, Violeta looks on with pride as her children stand on their own feet—living proof that when a family dreams together, works hard, and holds on to faith, poverty can be overcome and a brighter future can be built. //Christian Robert M. Sandoval, 4Ps Information Officer II; with reports and photos from Mark Aldrin Bermillo, PDOII, 4Ps-Kalinga