Twenty four selected grantees of the Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) personally signed their self-written inspiring stories compiled in a Coffee Table Book entitled Achieve and is now ready for release.

This is the country’s first ever compilation of success stories of ESGP-PA grantees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 through Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo proudly claimed that this Coffee Table Book is a manifestation of the achievement of the Department and is so special because it was crafted by Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries themselves.

He said that the writers should be given due recognition. Their names and stories are written in the Coffee Table Book which will be shared to other regions in the country, State Colleges and Universities, Partner Agencies, and Media which will surely serve as an inspiration and leave life lessons. He also believes that these writers are driven with passion to inspire others especially the youth.

According to Hazel H. Achuela, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student at the Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, she was so glad to be one of the writers and this created a remarkable page in her life. She and her three girl siblings grew up with the loving care of their father after their mother passed away 12 years ago. Her family is her source of strength leading her to be a consistent performing student. She also had an opportunity to be in Japan for an international study tour in 2016.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Marlene Febes D. Peralta defined  ACHIEVE as words to live by and challenge to the writers: Act upon your dreams; Conquer any obstacles set before you; Harness your God-given talents and gifts with humility and wisdom; Ignite positivity and light the corner where you are; Value the grace of God, the love of family, and friends; and Entertain positive change. (by: Jaesem Ryan A. Gaces, Information Officer II/ Pantawid Pamilya)