THE Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has been a symbol of hope for the families that benefited from the program. In its second year of implementation in Davao City, 4Ps has continued to live up its aspirations to provide hope and a chance to those who were deprived and challenged by fate.

Mother's great courage

Ma. Adel Cayas, 38, is one tough woman. An epitome of courage, Adel never gave up on life despite the difficult trials thrown at her.

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Her first marriage was a nightmare. She was repeatedly beaten-up and was never treated with respect by her husband. Then in 1999, Adel finally decided to end her marriage. She left her husband and brought with her all their seven children -- Reydel, now 22, Michelle, 19, Rene Boy, 18, Rocky Jean, 16, Raymond, 14, Rex, 12, and Crystal Mae, 11.

Her second marriage was one she could consider a blessing. However, like all good things, it did not last. Her husband was murdered last August 2008.

Their marriage bore another six children: Marjorie, 9, Jomar, 7, Christian, 5, James, 4, Joshua, 4, and Mary Joy, 9 months old. It was a terrible loss for Adel and the thirteen children that all depended on her. But instead of sulking in one corner, Adel gathered all her courage and strength for their children. She never gave up hope.

Adel supported some of the basic needs of her children by selling balloons at the Sta. Ana Church. Despite working hard day and night, she still could not provide for all the needs of her thirteen children.

It was a difficult decision to make but Adel felt that her children deserve a far better life than what she could offer. Adel left five of her kids: Reydel, Michelle, Rene Boy, Rocky Jean and Raymond to her aunt's care.

"Murag naanad na pud ko nga ingon ani mao dako kaayo akong pasalamat pagkahibalo nako nga aduna pa diay programa ang gobyerno nga makatabang sa among mga kabos (I was so used to this life that when I learned the government has a program for us poor people I was overjoyed!)," Adel said.

Adel has been receiving her cash subsidy from 4Ps and had just received her 4th cash grant last June 2009.

Adel opted to leave the dark memories of the past and embrace a brighter future with 4Ps.

Living the 4Ps difference

Fe, 33, and Benancio Batar, 37, felt the big change that 4Ps made into their lives.

Fe and Benancio have five children. Fe is pregnant with their sixth child. Benancio works as a fisherman. Fe shared that her husband’s income cannot support their daily needs and can barely afford even some basic commodities.

Fe's eldest child, 14-year-old Befrignd is still in grade 5. Befrignd underwent appendectomy when he was only two years old. He was diagnosed with "Bowel Obstruction" and was advised by the doctor to stop schooling for seven months. Their other four children are Jessa, 10, Gnet, 6, Cyril Keith, 3, and Jennilyn, one year old.

"Mag-sige lagi og undang-undang ang akong mga anak tungod sa among kawad-on. Wala mi ipangbayad sa eskwelahan, wala usab kami kwarta ihatag pang-baon nila (My children oftentimes stop school because of our dismal situation. We do not have money to pay for their tuition fees and their daily baons)," Fe said with pain in her eyes.

When Fe learned they were one of the beneficiaries of 4Ps, they were elated. Fe felt they were important and the government still cares about them.

"Makatabang gyud ang 4Ps sa amoa ilabi na sa akong mga anak. Karon makapalit nako og pagkaon, vitamins ug gatas para sa akong mga anak (4Ps really helped us especially my children. We can now buy food, vitamins and milk for my kids)," Fe joyfully shared.

Also, her children have never stopped schooling since she became a 4Ps grantee. "Sukad-sukad wala na dyud ka-undang og eskwela akong mga anak (Never did once my children quit schooling)," Fe added.

Hitting two birds with one stone

Thirty-six-year-old Alma Generana and husband Rolando, 40, have nine children -- Jaymar, 17, Rolando Jr., 16, Jake Leo, 13, Gerald, 12, Alma May, 10, Bernard, 6, Lyca, 3, Michael, 1, and Luigi, 2 months old.

Rolando works as a butcher at their local meat market. Due to the minimal income her husband earns for a living, five of their kids: Jaymar, Rolando, Jake Leo, Gerald and Alma have stopped school once or twice due to financial dearth.

"Mas gina-una gyud namo og palit ang pagkaon kaysa sa pagpa-eskwela sa akong mga anak ug pagpalit og vitamins ug tambal (Our main priority is food instead of our children's education or health needs)," Alma said.

4Ps changed their perspective. It may be hard at times but Alma and Rolando make it a point to provide the essential needs of their children which are food, education and health.

"Maayo nga programa ang 4Ps kay gawas sa pagpahimo sa imong responsibilidad isip usa ka ginikanan, motabang pa gyud sila sa pinansyal nga aspeto (4Ps is a good program. It does not only urge us parents to perform our responsibilities but also helps us in the financial aspect)," Alma said.