For many, passing the board exam is a dream that takes years of hard work. For Marie L. Pagedped that dream became possible through determination, the support of her family, and the help of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

At 23, Marie from Camatagan, Sabangan, Mountain Province, proudly carries the tittle of Licensed Professional Teacher. She graduated with a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Mountain Province State Polytechnic College – Bontoc Campus in 2024 and successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teacher (LET) in December of the same year.

Behind this achievement, however, is a story of perseverance and hope. Growing up in a family of four sibling, Marie witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for her parents to provide for everyone’s education. While she was in college, her older sister was also studying in college, and her two younger siblings were still in elementary and high school.

Meeting everyday expenses and school needs were never easy for their family.

She shared, “Hindi naging madali ang aking paglalakbay sa pag- aaral. Lumaki ako sa isang pamilyang may apat na magkakapatid na sabay-sabay na nag-aaral… naging malaking hamon para sa aming pamilya ang pag tustos sa mga gastusin sa edukasyon at iba pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. May mga pagkakataong kinakailangan naming mag tipid upang magpagkasya ang aming Limitadong kita.”

Instead of letting their situation stop her, Marie found ways to help herself. She looked for opportunities to earn extra money for her school and personal expenses while continuing her studies.

She recalled, “Noong ako ay nag-aaral pa, nagsisikap akong dumiskarte at maghanap ng paraan upang magkaroon ng pandagdag na pantustos sa aking pag-aaral at personal na pangangailangan. Sa kabila ng mga pagsubok, hindi ako nawalan ng pag-asa at patuloy akong nagsumikap.”

One of the sources of support for their family was the DSWD Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The educational assistance of 4Ps helped lessen the financial burden and allowed them to continue pursuing their education.

According to Marie, “Malaking tulong sa amin ang programang 4Ps dahil nakatulong ito sa mga gastusin sa paaralan at nag bigay ng dagdag na suporta upang  maipagpatuloy namin ang mga pag-aaral.”

Beyond financial assistance, Marie drew strength from the people from the people closest to her. Watching her parents work hard as farmers and make sacrifices inspired her to keep moving forward despite the challenges.

“Ang pinakamalaking inspirasyon ko sa  pagtupad ng aking mga pangarap ay ang aking pamilya. Nakita ko ang pagsisikap at mga sakripisyo ng aking mga magulang upang maitaguyod ang aming pag-aaral sa kabila ng mga pagsubok sa buhay” She added.

As the second child in the family, she also dreamed of giving back by helping her younger siblings finish their education.

Passing the LET became more than just a personal achievement, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. It gave her confidence and a clearer vision of how she could serve others through education.

“Malaki ang naging pagbabago sa aking buhay matapos akong makapagtapos at makapasa sa board examination. Nagkaroon ako ng mas malaking tiwala sa sarili at mas malinaw na direksyon para sa aking kinabukasan. Nais kong gamitin ang aking kaalaman, kasanayan , at mga natutunan sa buhay upang magkatulong sa aking pamilya at komunidad” she shared.

Marie hopes her journey will encourage other young people who may be facing similar struggles, she believes that difficult circumstances should never stop anyone from dreaming.

Her message is simple but powerful: “Nais ko ring iparating sa mga kabataang nangangarap na ang kahirapan ay hindi hadlang sa tagumpay. Maaring mahirap ang buhay at maraming pagsubok ang darating. ngunit huwag susuko. Ang bawat  sakripisyo at pag hihirap ay may kapalit na tagumpay sa tamang panahon basta’t magtiwala lamang tayo sa diyos.”

“Sa pamamagitan ng tiyaga, sipag, pananampalataya sa Diyos,at pagtanggap sa mga oportunidad na ibinibigay sa atin, posible nating maabot ang ating mga mithiin,” She added.

Marie’s story proves that when determination meets opportunity, a dream becomes reality. As she said “Sa tulong ng edukasyon, determinasyon, suporta mula sa pamilya at komunidad, at programang tulad ng 4Ps, ang mga pangarap ay maari maging realidad. Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa Diyos, sa aking pamilya, at sa 4Ps sa kanilang suporta at tulong sa aking paglalakabay sa pag-aaral.”

Marie’ story is more than a personal success, it is a reminder that with perseverance, family support, and government program that invest in education, brighter future can be built one dream at a time. (DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MEYNARD ALONZO PACLEBA, reports from SWAD Mountain Province.)