MANILA, Philippines – Hers is not the traditional family, but how Gemma Tanutan raised her children and runs her household have become a model in her barangay. 

“Huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Kung kaya ko, kaya ‘nyo rin ang pagbabago,” she told the audience composed of 10,000 families who, like hers, have benefited from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (Do not lose hope. If we were able to get through this, you can, too.)

The Tanutan Family – headed by Gemma who is a single mother – was named the Philippines’ 2014 Huwarang Pantawad Pamilya during the Pantawid Pamilya National Family Day and Convergence Caravan on Sunday, September 28.  

In 2010, the Tanutans, who are from Iloilo, was part of the first batch of 4Ps beneficiaries. 

Gemma has been the breadwinner since their family lost contact with her husband. They have not heard from him since he left for Manila supposedly to look for a job that would alleviate his family’s situation. For more than a decade, Gemma has been singlehandedly raising 5 children. (READ: DSWD programs empower single parents)

“Bilang isang ina, tungkulin kong tugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan at mapagtapos sila hanggang kolehiyo,” she said. (As a mother, it is my responsibility to cater to their needs and help them finish college.)

The single mother expected that life would be difficult, but she persevered. Gemma resorted to planting crops and vegetables then selling them in nearby towns.

There are good days and then there are bad days. When the money is not enough to feed the family, Gemma accepts various farm-related jobs, such as serving as caretaker of a private land in the village. 

Under the 4Ps program, Gemma receives P1,100 ($25)* monthly for her two minor children – enough for their daily nutritional needs and trips to the health center. 

At 48 years old, Gemma actively participates in several programs in the community. In 2013, she led women volunteers in building a 3-classroom school building in their area.

She continues to share with heads of families in their barangay the skills she learned in the numerous training sessions and livelihood programs of the DSWD – a requirement of the 4Ps. (READ: Rebuilding the lives of 4Ps families after Yolanda)

Huwarang Pamilya

Gemma’s dreams are slowly coming true. One of her children is a college graduate, while two are college students who are receiving scholarships from local government officials. 

“Mas’werte ako at lumaking matatalino ang mga anak ko,” Gemma said. “Pero kailangan rin nilang maging working students kasi may mga dagdag-gastos pa.” (I am lucky that my children are smart, but they also have to work while studying because of other expenses.)

Her eldest, Ferdinand, has an Associate in Marine Engineering degree. Meanwhile, Bryan King and Jawo are on their way to completing their degrees in Information Technology and Hotel and Restaurant Magement, respectively. 

Gemma continues to hope for a better future – out of hard work and perseverance, and regardless of whether it’s her, the mother, who heads the household. – Rappler.com