Some opportunities come quietly, arriving when they are needed most. For Anilyn T. Gapongle, the Cash-for-Work (CFW) Program under the DSWD FO CAR Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) became more than temporary employment; it became the turning point that transformed years of perseverance into a promising career in public service.
Behind Anilyn’s achievements is a story shaped by loss, resilience, and unwavering determination. As the youngest of five siblings, she learned early in life that dreams often require extraordinary courage. At the age of eight, she lost her mother to pneumonia. Years later, in 2022, just as Anilyn was beginning a new chapter in her life through marriage, another tragedy struck their family. Her father passed away due to cardiac arrest, leaving behind a deep sense of loss and sorrow. Despite the pain of losing another loved one, Anilyn chose to carry on, refusing to let life’s hardships keep her from pursuing a better future.
In 2024, with the help of a scholarship from Philex Mining Corporation and the steadfast support of her older siblings and husband, Anilyn pursued her education with determination. She graduated cum laude from Benguet State University with a degree in Bachelor of Communication Arts, a milestone that reflected not only academic excellence but also years of sacrifice, perseverance, and hard work.
After graduation, life presented a different responsibility. While caring for her baby daughter, Anilyn continued searching for employment, hoping to find an opportunity that would allow her to begin the career she had long envisioned.
That opportunity came in May 2025, when she became part of the CFW Program and was assigned to the Learning and Development Section (LDS). Although her engagement was temporary, Anilyn treated every task as an opportunity to prove herself. She approached her work with dedication and a willingness to learn, earning the trust and respect of her supervisors and colleagues.
In September 2025, Anilyn’s hard work paid off when she was hired as a Training Specialist I at the same section of the DSWD CAR.
Looking back on her journey, she shared with gratitude: “Hindi ko akalaing ang pagiging CFW beneficiary ang magiging daan para marating ko kung nasaan ako ngayon.” (I never imagined that becoming a Cash-for-Work beneficiary would pave the way for me to reach where I am today.)
As a Training Specialist, Anilyn serves the agency’s personnel with the skills she cultivated through every challenge and opportunity that came her way. CFW, beyond being a source of income, became the bridge connecting her aspirations to opportunity, allowing her to develop her skills, gain valuable experience, and ultimately build a meaningful career in public service.
Her story stands as a reminder that every opportunity, no matter how modest it may seem, has the potential to change a life.
To young professionals and job seekers who are still finding their path, Anilyn offers this simple yet meaningful advice: “Huwag agad tumingin sa laki ng sahod. Mas mahalagang maging masaya at kuntento habang natututo at nadaragdagan ang iyong karanasan.” (Do not just look at the salary. It is more important to be happy and content while learning and gaining experience.)
Anilyn’s story embodies the true essence of building a better future through Cash-for-Work, where hard work, determination, and the right support come together to create lasting change. It is a reminder that every opportunity provided today has the potential to shape brighter futures. //#DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Dauden B. Moises, Project Development Officer II
