“Hindi maipagkakait na malaki ang naging ambag ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) sa success ng aming pamilya – nakapagproduce na ng dalawang pulis at isang engineer (It cannot be denied that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has contributed greatly to our family’s success. It has already produced two policemen and an engineer),” shared by Engr. Jemuel Steven M. Mago, a former 4Ps monitored child from the municipality of San Agustin, province of Romblon. 

In 2014, it can be remembered that a little boy nicknamed “Mayor” by his fellow contenders for his active participation during workshops and activities was recognized as the 4Ps National Exemplary Child. On the other side of his wittiness, he was bullied for being a son of a tricycle driver. His father’s income sometimes does not suffice for the needs of a family of nine.

“Ang naging journey ko from provincial, regional, and national search is an experience of a lifetime and an honor to treasure. Maraming opportunities ang nabuksan simula noong nanalo ako. Isang halimbawa lamang ito kung gaano ka-magical at kaganda ang buhay natin – full of twists and turns. (My journey from provincial, regional, and national search is an experience of a lifetime and an honor to treasure. Many opportunities have opened up since I won. This is just an example of how magical and beautiful our lives are, full of twists and turns),” Jemuel mentioned.

The Magos became a beneficiary of 4Ps in 2009, which Jemuel was ridiculed for when he was in his younger years. He was mocked for being ‘poor’ and financially insufficient. But Jemuel, strong and determined as he is, stood up for himself and never allowed mockery to put him down.

Jemuel, now 23 and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree holder at Romblon State University. According to him, the Program served as a catalyst for change in his family. As he looks back at the time when they were not yet in the program, he can describe the life they had as “isang kahig, isang tuka.” But when 4Ps came, he treated it as “nasindihang lampara.”

For him, difficult times and failures are necessary for him to grow, and problems aren’t always negative. “In order to survive, we had to try any means necessary to feed the whole family and continue our study. Thanks to the mindset of our parents, the negativity brought by poverty didn’t grow. Instead, we took advantage of the situation to strive for greater heights and to embrace the fact that we can also do the things that others can—that we can also be the best version of ourselves if we put God at the center of every decision and step that we take,” Jemuel stated.

Being an optimistic dreamer as he is, Jemuel continued burning midnight oil after he graduated from college to prepare for the Civil Engineer Licensure Examination (CELE) in November 2023. Not long after and without uncertainty, he finally reaped the fruit of his labor and passed the board exam five months after his graduation.

“Be the best version of yourself. Ikaw ang gumuguhit ng iyong kapalaran. Hindrances are there, but with God’s guidance, no one could stop you if you really wanted to chase your dreams. Remember that we are all equal sa mata ng ating Panginoon, regardless sa katayuan mo sa buhay o lahing kinabibilangan, you are valued and you matter, so keep on having faith and surely, you’ll achieve your dream,” Jemuel affirmed when asked for an advice for 4Ps youth.

As mentioned, his next goal is to find a job in order to support his family, especially his brothers, who are still studying. He now intends to prepare for another examination, which is the Master Plumbing exam, to pursue his desired job abroad for him to give his family a better and more comfortable life and help his other relatives who have the same situation as them.

With that in mind, he perceives difficult times as part of everyone’s existence. Hence, mastering the stoic way of life became his strategy to stand still and strong. He believes that God has given everyone the ability to survive in life and to progress. That’s why people should not facilitate their lives with negatives and strains.

“I know thank you isn’t enough, because for me, useless ang salamat kung walang pagbabago and progress. There is a saying that action speaks louder than words. Seeing our family succeed in life little by little is a manifestation of how the 4Ps touched our lives. We are forever grateful to the DSWD for its unending support and love for our family. It is truly the epitome of good and humane service,” Jemuel expressed gratefully.