FEATURE – As we celebrate Women's Month, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shares the story of the resilience and success of a solo parent and a member of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who is now a barangay captain.
Evalyn Garsain, from Barugo, Leyte, is a testament to the strength and resilience of women, especially single mothers. When her husband passed away, she was left to care for their three children independently. She did not know where to start because her family solely depended on her husband's income for their daily needs.
But no matter how hard it was to provide for her family, she did not give up hope that someday they would overcome poverty.
To start a livelihood, Evalyn borrowed capital from her relatives and gradually opened her sari-sari store. Her sister also helped to cover some of their expenses. However, her efforts were insufficient because their needs, especially in education, increased as her children grew.
In 2012, Evalyn's family was fortunate to be included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Thanks to the cash grant provided by the program, she was able to achieve her dream of sending her children to school.
Evalyn emphasized that she is grateful for the cash grant and the positive changes in her personality, which she attributes to the Family Development Sessions (FDS) that she attends. She learned to interact with others and improve her interpersonal skills.
Ngayong buwan ng mga kababaihan, ating alamin ang kwento ng katatagan at tagumpay ng isang solo parent at miyembro ng...
Posted by DSWD Eastern Visayas on Friday, March 3, 2023
Being an active member of 4Ps and attending various FDS sessions, Evalyn overcame her shyness and became more involved in her community. She felt the need to run for a barangay position to significantly impact her family and community.
Despite being a single parent, she did not let it hinder her from being an active and competent barangay official. She attended different seminars and training programs to improve her leadership skills, including Women's Forum, Barangay Gender and Development Training, Disaster Risk Reduction Training, and more.
The Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) showed that the Garsain family's classification improved from "poor" to "self-sufficient," which means they are ready to exit the program this year. Despite her challenges, Evalyn continues to support her three children's education, who are still studying. She knows there will be more obstacles to overcome, but she has already come far.
Evalyn's story highlights the importance of government programs like the 4Ps that assist vulnerable families. It also showcases how the program can create positive changes in people's lives, not just through financial support but also by promoting personal growth and community involvement.