La Trinidad, Benguet—Amidst the valley, Daisy and Marcelo Chewacheo built their life together pursuing their hopes and aspirations as a family. However, raising three children was no easy feat and, through the years, they did their best to build a good life for their family.
Daisy shared that while in the shadow of poverty and as young parents, they struggled to make ends meet, with Marcelo earning irregular wages as a construction laborer and her working at home. And as both of them had been forced to leave school early due to financial hardship, they earnestly encourage their children to excel in their studies today. Their eldest, Nifty Shyryll, is in her third year of college, their second child, Marc Sheldon, is set to graduate high school, and their youngest daughter, Zyreen Shane is turning Grade 8.
According to her, their life’s direction changed when they became members of the Program. While the cash grants provided an immediate lifeline for their children’s health and education, the true transformation happened within Daisy herself.
Initially, Daisy viewed the program’s Family Development Sessions (FDS) as a simple requirement for the cash grants. However, these sessions gradually reshaped her perspective in life. She began learning about empowerment, strengthening family values and personal development, and planning for a better future for their family.
“Malaking tulong ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) sa aming pamilya. Maraming pamilya ang natulungan at natutulungan ng 4Ps at sana ay patuloy pa ang programang ito upang mas marami pang mabigyan ng pag-asa at oportunidad sa buhay. (4Ps is huge help for our family. The 4Ps have helped and is still helping many families and I hope this Program continues so that many more can be given hope and chances in life),” said Mrs. Chewacheo.
In 2020, as she imbibed and lived out qualities to spearhead meetings and activities in the 4Ps and community at large, she became a 4Ps Parent Leader. Guiding other families and expanding her influence far beyond the program, her community roles have included being President of the Barangay Tawang Women’s Association, Barangay Biosecurity Officer, and Barangay Tourism Officer. She also served as emcee during “4Ps Pugay Tagumpay” celebrations and represented beneficiaries in dialogues with visiting guests and delegates from the local and national level.
Meanwhile, Marcelo reached a breakthrough in his employment. From being a part-time construction laborer, he is currently working as a regular employee of the local water utility firm. For her part, Daisy, while being a full-time mother to her children, continues to take on her various roles as advocate and leader in the barangay.
As she prepares to graduate from the 4Ps this year after having been program beneficiaries since 2011, Daisy shares her joy and pride in their family’s journey in the 4Ps: “Para sa akin, hindi lang tulong ang naibibigay ng 4Ps, kundi tagumpay. Masaya kami na nakasama kami sa program at sa paglabas namin sa programa ay handa na kami para ipagpatuloy ang nasimulan namin para sa ikakabuti ng pamilya at komunidad (For me, the 4Ps not only gives support but also success. We are happy that we were part of the program and as we exit the program we are prepared to continue what we have started for the good of our families and community),” said Daisy.# DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, CHRISTIAN ROBERT M. SANDOVAL, Information Officer II, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
