19/03/2026
From Rural Roots to the Classroom: 4Ps Beneficiary from Surigao del Sur Becomes Licensed Teacher
For Ronelyn Plaza, passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) was more than a personal milestone; it was a victory shaped by perseverance, faith, and the unwavering support of her family.
Hailing from the rural barangay of Matho in Cortes, Surigao del Sur, Ronelyn grew up facing the realities of financial hardship.
As a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), her journey toward becoming a Licensed Professional Teacher (LPT) reflects not only her determination but also the impact of opportunities provided to families striving to overcome socio-economic challenges. Throughout the years, their household remained compliant with the program’s conditions, embracing the support that helped keep Ronelyn’s dreams within reach.
When the LET results were finally released, a rush of emotions overwhelmed her. Joy, relief, and a deep sense of gratitude filled her heart. Yet alongside the celebration came a realization: passing the board exam was not the end of her journey, but the beginning of a new chapter dedicated to learning, service, and growth.
Looking back, Ronelyn recalls moments during her college years when doubt crept in and the path ahead seemed uncertain. The journey was far from easy. Financial struggles weighed heavily on her family, and there were days when the challenges felt almost unbearable. Still, Ronelyn chose not to be defined by her struggles. Instead, she embraced them as lessons, turning every setback into a source of strength that pushed her forward.
Her pursuit of education was never hers alone. Behind her success stood a family that never stopped believing in her.
Despite limited financial resources, Ronelyn found a way to continue her studies with the support of the ASA Foundation. But beyond financial help, what sustained her most was the love and encouragement she received at home.
Her parents remained her greatest source of motivation. Through every hardship, they reminded her and her siblings that true success is not measured by having everything one desires, but by the character and resilience built through life’s struggles.
“My parents became my strength and the primary reason for every achievement I have today,” Ronelyn shared.
The road to becoming a teacher demanded countless sacrifices—long nights of studying, intense review sessions, and moments of exhaustion that tested her resolve. During the most difficult times, Ronelyn held firmly to two things: her determination to succeed and her deep faith in God.
Through every challenge, she carried with her a simple yet powerful belief: “Trust God no matter what.”
Today, Ronelyn Plaza proudly carries the title of Licensed Professional Teacher. Her story stands as a testament that financial hardship does not define a person’s future. With perseverance, family support, and faith, even the most difficult paths can lead to meaningful success.
As she begins her journey as an educator, Ronelyn hopes to inspire the same resilience in the students she will one day teach. More than lessons from textbooks, she hopes to share the values that shaped her journey: hard work, humility, gratitude, and unwavering faith.
For Ronelyn, becoming a teacher is not only a dream fulfilled. It is a promise to give back, uplift others, and prove that even from the humblest beginnings, great possibilities can grow.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga continues to witness stories like Ronelyn’s—stories that reflect the transformative impact of the 4Ps in empowering families to invest in their children’s education. Through sustained support and the commitment of beneficiary households to the program’s conditions, 4Ps serves as a stepping stone toward breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors to better opportunities for the next generation.
