DSWD programs empower single parents

BAGUIO, Philippines – Solo parents find hope amid challenges through the Pantawid Pamilyag Pilipinong Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

4Ps is the Aquino administration’s flagship poverty-alleviation program, which has assisted over 4 million households.

The program provides cash, education and health assistance to poor families on the condition that their children are enrolled in schools and that they undergo health check-ups.

Wilma Duterte, a 39-year old single mother of 4, has been a 4Ps beneficiary for 4 years now. She is also a parent-leader and president of the Solo Parents Group in her community.

“Walang mangyayari sa amin kung hindi ako gagawa ng paraan para kumita (Nothing good will happen to us if I don’t do something to earn),” Duterte said.

Wilma believes that being a solo parent is not a hindrance to securing a good future for her children.

Cash grants

Wilma sells vegetables and makes hot pads whenever she can afford raw materials.

She admitted to having difficulties in making ends meet ever since her husband left her and her children several years ago, which is why she works hard.

“Hindi madaling magpalaki ng apat na anak lalo na’t mag-isa akong nagtatrabaho. Pero dahil mahal ko sila at ayokong maranasan nila yung mga paghihirap na naranasan ko, nagsusumikap talaga ako para itaguyod sila. (It is not easy to bring up 4 children especially because I’m a solo parent. But since I love my children and I do not want them to experience the hardships that I went through, I try my best to raise them singlehandedly),” Wilma said.

4Ps, now on its 5^th year of implementation, gave Wilma hope.

She receives a P2,200 cash grant every two months, which she spends on food and house rent. The program also helps her keep her children at school while ensuring their good health.

Wilma, together with other beneficiaries, also undergoes skills training programs.

“Dito sa programa, tinuruan kami kung paano tulungan ang mga sarili namin. May mga skills din na itinuro sa amin katulad na lang kung paano magsimula ng negosyo (The program has taught us how to help ourselves. It also taught us skills like how to start our own business),” she added.

Empowering solo parents

4Ps requires parent beneficiaries to attend Family Development Sessions (FDS), where they are trained on effective parenting, child development, gender and development, and home management.

FDS also orients them about the rights and obligations each family member has.

Wilma shares the values she learns from FDS with others especially solo parents in her community.

Through the program, Wilma has also earned more friends and even started taking the initiative to inspire others, “Dati akong tahimik lang pero naging madaldal ako at palakaibigan dahil sa Pantawid Pamilya. Naging leader nila ako at masaya ako na ginagabayan sila hindi lang sa mga isyu tungkol sa programa pero kahit tungkol na rin sa mga buhay nila. Maraming nakikinig sa akin at nakakatulong ako sa kapwa ko (I used to be introvert, but with the program I became assertive and friendly. I also became a leader and mentor to my fellow beneficiaries. I’m glad they listen to me).

Although she cannot help other solo parents financially, Wilma proudly helps other single moms by enlightening them.

“Masarap sa pakiramdam na naibabahagi ko sa kanila yung mga magagandang aral na natututunan ko (I feel good that I am able to help in some ways),” she said.

As part of her advocacy, she makes sure that other solo parents are given access to different livelihood opportunities. She also imparts her knowledge on making hot pads and weaving bags with other solo parents.

These projects can help augment the income of families led by solo parents.

Wilma’s perseverance comes from her desire to provide a good future for her children. – Rappler.com