08/05/2026
Achieving my professional dreams through 4Ps
Testimony by Jana Maica Panaligan Baclas
4Ps beneficiary
ESTANCIA, Iloilo - My name is Janah Maica Panaligan Baclas, a 23-year-old, and the second child of Marilou and Joemar Baclas of this town. I grew up living with four siblings, and although our childhood was filled with challenges, we have always considered ourselves blessed especially as a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
This program became one of the strongest foundations that helped shape my journey toward achieving my professional dreams. My life story is one of faith, perseverance, strength, and determination. Behind every medal, certificate, and academic recognition, I received lies a journey built not only on intelligence and hard work, but also on resilience in the face of financial hardship.
As a 4Ps beneficiary, my life shows how opportunity, when combined with discipline and faith, can transform dreams into reality.
During my elementary years, our family struggled financially, especially since all of us siblings were in school at the same time. I vividly remember days when I felt hungry but chose not to buy food because the little money, I had was only enough for transportation fare.
I learned to be content with whatever my parents could provide. Each year, I cherished the simple things my mother bought for me like my school bag, shoes, and uniform, and took great care of them so my younger sister could use them afterward.
I can still recall the joy of having β±10.00 and a single biscuit in my bag. Even without a regular allowance, I remained thankful for the little things, sometimes just a biscuit and water to get through the day. There were moments of insecurity, seeing classmates with more money and snacks, but those feelings never stopped me from aiming high and dreaming big.
When our family became part of the 4Ps program, it was a tremendous blessing. The assistance helped ease our financial burdens and allowed us to buy school supplies, bags, uniforms, and shoes every year.
More importantly, it gave us hope and the opportunity to continue our education with determination. My siblings and I worked hard, became consistent honor students, and proved that perseverance can overcome difficult circumstances. For us, education was not just a privilege it was a promise to our parents that their sacrifices would never be in vain.
After high school, I was no longer a monitored child under the 4Ps program, which meant I could no longer receive educational grants. But my dreams did not end there. With my familyβs support, I pursued my dream course, Bachelor of Elementary Education, in college. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found ways to support myself like selling products online and taking small side jobs, like makeup work, to lessen the financial burden on my parents.
Through perseverance, countless hours of studying, and steadfast faith, I completed my college education and graduated as Cum Laude from Capiz State University β Pilar Campus. Seeing the pride in my parentsβ eyes made every sacrifice worthwhile. Within the same year, I courageously took the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Preparing for it required discipline, mental strength, and prayer, which became my greatest source of motivation. By Godβs grace, I passed on my first attempt with a rating of 85.00%.
Today, I stand as proof that success is not determined by oneβs economic status, but by determination, perseverance, and character. My journey serves as an inspiration to students from humble beginnings, reminding them that they can dream boldly and work tirelessly to achieve their goals.
I am deeply grateful for how the 4Ps program changed not only my life but also the life of my family. The financial assistance and support it provided became a pathway that helped us move forward despite our struggles. I hope this program continues to inspire many families and students, reminding them that poverty is not a barrier to dreaming big and achieving their aspirations.
My life is more than a story of academic success, it is a testament that hope, when nurtured by hard work and faith, can blossom into triumph. Through the opportunities given by 4Ps, I was able to walk the pathway to success and take meaningful steps toward fulfilling my professional dreams. (Submitted by Estancia MOO, Iloilo POO)
