“Masaya akong natulungan ako ng Pantawid Pamilya, ngayon handa na po akong ibahagi naman ang napakalaking oportunidad na ito sa iba” – Roahn
This is the exact statement of Ms.Roahn Oli of Barangay 147 of Caloocan City as she shares her feelings towards her possible exit to the program. She has been so vocal about the positive change that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program brought in her life and her family.
Best Parent Leader in Barangay 147 for 4 years
Ms. Roahn, 39 years old, is a Pantawid Pamilya member registered in 2012, she has been in the program for 8 years and served as a parent leader for 6 years. Ms. Roahn expressed that her experience as parent leader helped her to develop skills and knowledge that she never thought she is capable of doing. “Natuto ako ng mga batas na nangangalaga sa mga bata at kababaihan, mga bagay na may kinalaman sa pagiwas sa droga at sa mga dapat gawing paghahanda sa kalamidad na nagagamit ko sa pang-araw-araw na buhay”. She shares how she enjoyed having the chance to learn and to be more than a housewife but a friend to her co- members, thankful of the chance to share her time and her capacities to help other members prepare for their update, disseminate information related to the program, and to be a responsible individual in their community.
Ms. Roahn said that being a parent leader does not only entail the responsibility to be informed but also the responsibility to inform others and to be able to help within your means.
From Worker to Owner (Micro-tailoring Business)
Aside from being a responsible parent leader, Ms. Roahn also make the most of her skills in sewing. She was once working as a sewer until she was able to save and decided to purchase her own personal set of sewing machine through the Sustainable Livelihood Assistance which she was able to access in 2015. Through perseverance and hard work, the only sewing machine she has was able to generate additional income for the family. She accepts small time orders like costumes, uniforms, and shirts. She was also able to make ball gowns she posted for rentals.
Her husband, Eduardo is a contractor for ten years. He is in-charge of building commercial establishments, houses, and making customized furniture. At present, the couple is currently saving money to use as capital to buy the needed materials in opening their own Milk Tea shop in front of a nearby school.
Obedient and Responsible Children
Ms. Roahn is also a proud parent of 4 children. She often says how she tries her best to ensure that she is able to apply the lessons from the Family Development Session particularly in being a responsible parent to her children. She cannot contain her enthusiasm sharing about the milestones of her children. The eldest, Mark Julius, 20 years old, already graduated in Senior High School and is presently working as an Assistant cook. He is now able to augment in the income of the family. Mark Julius is a very responsible child working double shift and stretching possible areas to learn. Accordingly, he is planning to take up TESDA training for cookery to further his skills and knowledge and eventually pursue better job opportunities abroad.
The two younger children, Patrick Justin, 18 years old and Andrea Gaile, 17 years old, are both graduating students of Senior High School enrolled in Bagong Barrio High School. Ms. Roahn is looking forward to their graduation this April 2020. She is very positive that even without the support of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, both her children will pursue College education.
The perseverance of Andrea to finish her education is very evident that she works part time in a Milk tea Café to augment also with the needs of the family without having to compromise her time in school.
On the other hand, Ms. Roahn is certain that the education of the youngest child will not be as difficult since the older children may be working already during the time and will be capable of helping them with their needs. Hence, she does not worry anymore and is proud to say that she is now ready to exit to the program.
Ms. Roahn wanted to express that she takes her graduation from the program very positively. She said that the program already helped her family with so much, more than she could imagine. That the program assisted them during their most trying times, but now is her responsibility to be on their own and to ensure the welfare of the family through their hard work and cooperation. ###
From the reports of: Ebenezer Refulgente, Project Development Officer II, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Management Office