Who would have thought that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will make a mother’s childhood dream of becoming a beauty queen come true?
Si Arlene sa kanyang munting karinderya habang buong pagmamalaki niyang suot ang kanyang korona at sash.
Arlene Escosa is a Pantawid Pamilya Program beneficiary since 2012. She is a wife and a mother of three (3) kids. Described by her neighbors as bubbly and talented, the former member of the Universal Group dancers was chosen by her community to represent Barangay 54, Pasay City in a pageant-like recognition for the mother beneficiaries of Pantawid. She did not fail them as she bagged two (2) crowns, namely Ginang Pantawid Pamilya of Pasay 2017 at the same time, Ginang Pantawid Pamilya of the National Capital Region (NCR).
Ginang Pantawid Pamilya is a nationwide search for Pantawid Pamilyang mothers who embody a responsible parent in compliance with the program’s conditionalities and active community involvement.
“Tinupad ng Pantawid ang pangarap kong maging beauty queen,” Arlene emphasized when asked on how the program helped her reach her childhood dream of becoming a beauty queen. She said that it is more than what she wished for, because she was recognized not just a woman but as a wife and a mother too. She added that her crown motivated her to continue to be a good mother to inspire other mothers and serve as a good example.
“Mas na-inspire ako maging ina. Tama pala yung ginagawa ko – ‘ung pananaw ko para sa asawa ko saka para sa mga anak ko. Mas nakilala ako na magandang example sa mga ka-nanay ko,” sabi ni Arlene.
What Changed Since Pantawid
Arlene was an assistant of her mother-in-law’s Almusalan (eatery) before she was included as a Pantawid beneficiary. Married to Daniel, things got even financially rough within their household when her husband lost his job as a messenger.
She said that Pantawid helped them cope with their financial challenges and provide for their children’s health and educational needs. Her eldest daughter is now graduating for Grade 12.
Last year, she inherited the Almusalan business of her mother-in-law. She said that her learning in financial management through Pantawid Pamilya Program inspired her to get involved in the business and thanks to her mother-in-law, she was able to apply it. She serves meals such as fried rice, fried rice, champorado, sopas, spaghetti, hotdogs and egg as early as five o’clock in the morning with prices ranging from ten to twenty pesos. Students and employees who have no time to prepare their meals are her usual customers. Her husband helps her cook and set up. Her victory in Ginang Pantawid Pamilya also served as a promotion of her small business. Her relatives even contributed for a small tarpaulin with a picture of her crowning moment. She posted it as her store’s background and attracted more customers – even those living outside their streets were intrigued and encouraged to buy her meals. Now, even with the absence of the tarpaulin which was ruined by an unfavorable weather, she maintained loyal customers because of her good food and bubbly personality.
In Promoting Women’s Rights
With pride, Arlene emphasized that her husband’s undying support in whatever she wishes to do including joining the search for Ginang Pantawid, might be a cliché but Daniel said the secret to a happy marriage is to support your partner, “Kung sa’n siya masaya, susuportahan ko s’ya. Kaya meron kaming forever.”
Arlene said that the support given by her husband is essential to promote the rights of the women as it made her feel respected. “Nirerespeto niya ako. Pinapahalagahan niya ako. Sinusuportahan niya ako. Mas nagiging magandang halimbawa sa iba,” said Arlene.
She emphasized that the title of Ginang Pantawid Pamilya plays a vital role in becoming a role model to everyone to become a good and responsible mother and wife. For her, it enables her to walk the talk; to act on what she learned. The crown also brings responsibility that Arlene is happy to undertake which is the continuous promotion of women’s rights.
Arlene committed to embrace the title as well as the responsibilities accompanied to it. ###