“Nagpapasalamat ako noong kami ay naging benepisyaryo ng 4Ps. Tunay ngang nabago nito ang aming buhay. Habambuhay ko itong maaalala lalung-lalo na ang aking mga natutuhan at mga masasayang karanasan sa programa (I am grateful when we became 4Ps beneficiaries. This truly changed our lives. This will linger in my memory forever specially the learnings and joyful experiences in the program),” Catalina Bareng, 48 years old of Solsona, llocos Norte, testified during the 4Ps Graduation Ceremony.
She claimed that 4Ps opened a lot of opportunities for her. Endowed with leadership skills, she was chosen as one of the Parent Leaders (PLs) in Solsona, Ilocos Norte. She led her fellow beneficiaries in different community activities.
Catalina’s undeniable passion to serve the needy led her to join Project 101 that honed 4Ps beneficiaries to be assertive of their rights, active in participating community activities, and empowered. She was trained to facilitate meetings and become Learning Service Provider during Family Development Sessions.
The Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) served as a shoulder to lean on for her eldest daughter, Cathlene Kaye, to pursue Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in Mariano Marcos State University Laoag City in 2018. She is now a permanent Teacher at Solsona National High School since May 2019. Indeed, 4Ps paved the way to a brighter future for Bareng Family.
Despite these blessings, suffering is inevitable. No one thought that Bareng Family was about to be shattered. Catalina and Gerardo’s marriage was put to a test. Gerardo left his work in Manila and went back home to rebuild his family. In these trying times, Catalina saw Gerardo’s reformation and sincerity in winning her back. He became a more loving husband, a more responsible father, and a better family provider. Catalina strongly believes that Family Development Sessions contributed in making their family whole again by promoting strong ties.
“Ako man ay nagdaan sa madilim na kabanata ng aking buhay, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako dahil pinili naming mag-asawa ang maging kumpletong pamilya. Nagdaan man kami sa maraming pagsubok, amin itong nalampasan nang magkasama. Salamat sa 4Ps at kami ay tinulungang makaahon sa aming kahirapan at patatagin ang aming relasyon (Although I went through a dark chapter, I am still grateful because my husband and I chose to make our family whole. We may have gone through many trials, but we surpassed everything together. Thanks to 4Ps that helped us draw out of poverty and strengthen our relationship),” Catalina shared. (by: Chariz Joy G. Ronque / Municipal Link and Arlem Kenneth R. Areola, Project Development Officer II – NGA Focal Person)
