From the testimony / write-up entry for ERPAT KO ‘TO 2024: Angel Kyle Camay Delgado
Brgy. Wawa, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

In the quiet town of our barangay, where the sun kissed the fields and life was simple but challenging, Papa Arnulfo stood as our unshakable compass. He wasn’t just a father; he was a hero, a beacon of hope, and a living testament to the power of resilience and love. Despite a life marked by trials—a stroke that left him reliant on a cane and the heartbreak of losing our mother—he never wavered in his dedication to his family. For us, his five children, he was the center of our little constellation, guiding us toward the light of possibility.

But even heroes need allies, and for us, that ally was the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The Steadfast Captain

Papa Arnulfo’s love radiated through every aspect of our lives. He championed the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), served our community through the church, and made our home a sanctuary of laughter and learning. His days were filled with action: advocating for accessibility, organizing skill-building workshops, and helping the pastor with outreach programs. Yet, his most significant role was being our father, ensuring we had the tools and inspiration to dream big despite our modest means.

Every morning, the symphony of our family began with his deliberate steps tapping against the floor as he prepared for another day of service and sacrifice. He made sure that even in a house filled with playful rivalries and boundless dreams, we understood the value of perseverance and unity.

A Turning Point: The Arrival of 4Ps

Life for our family was a delicate balancing act. Papa Arnulfo’s limited income and our ever-growing needs often made the future feel uncertain. Enter the 4Ps—a government initiative designed to support families like ours. For us, it wasn’t just financial aid; it was the lifeline we desperately needed.

With 4Ps, the burdens that weighed on Papa’s shoulders lightened. School supplies, once a luxury, became accessible. My sister Sam, who dreamed of becoming a teacher, could focus on her studies instead of worrying about how to help make ends meet. My younger siblings, Ocean and John, no longer needed to compete over scarce resources; their healthy rivalry turned into a shared pursuit of academic excellence.

For me, the budding painter with a head full of vibrant visions, 4Ps brought the paints and canvases I had long yearned for. Education, dreams, and creative pursuits no longer seemed out of reach.

More Than Just Financial Assistance

The 4Ps program wasn’t merely a source of funds—it was an affirmation of Papa’s efforts and our collective potential. It gave us a renewed sense of purpose and ignited a drive to succeed. Papa’s joy was palpable every time he returned from a family development session meeting, his hands filled with flyers and his heart brimming with hope.

Through his steadfast belief in education, Papa made it his mission to ensure we excelled. Borrowing books from the library and sharing lesson ideas, he nurtured a love for learning in each of us.

A Legacy of Success

The results were nothing short of miraculous. Each of us became an honor student, thriving in our unique ways. Sam, now a scholar with a government scholarship, was on her way to becoming the teacher she always dreamed of being. I was pursuing a degree in special education, painting a brighter future not just for myself but for others like Papa—people whose potential shines when given the chance.

As for Papa, his legacy extended beyond our home. He inspired others in our barangay with his advocacy and kindness, proving that disability was no barrier to making a difference. He turned his limitations into opportunities, showing how love, determination, and a little help from programs like 4Ps could transform lives.

Hope in Every Peso

Today, our small home hums with the rhythm of aspirations realized. 4Ps didn’t just provide financial relief; it amplified Papa’s unwavering love and the dreams of his children. It was the wind that carried us forward, proving that even the most distant stars could be reached with dedication and support.

Papa Arnulfo may not have left us material wealth, but he gave us something far greater: the belief that we could chart our course toward success and the understanding that every act of kindness and advocacy could light up someone else’s path.

In our barangay and beyond, his story—and ours—stands as a shining example of how love, resilience, and community programs like 4Ps can change lives, proving that no journey is impossible when guided by an unbroken compass.