Many people throw stones at other people especially when they have very little knowledge about the issue at hand. This is the case of many 4Ps beneficiaries whom the public openly criticize for allegedly being lazy and dependent on people’s taxes.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is the national poverty-reduction strategy that aims to uplift the lives of poor families by investing in education and health especially of children. The beneficiaries of the program are poor families who are most likely presented with less opportunities. This is why they are easy targets of criticisms on government expenditure.

But if we zoom in to the individual stories of the beneficiaries what will their stories tell us?

Chona Polinar, 40, a mother of 3 children from Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte is firm on her stance that just because they receive grants from the government does not mean they are lazy.

One quiet afternoon, we reached Mrs. Chona and Mr. Jemar Polinar sitting in front of their light material house while casually talking about their children. I asked if I could sit for a while, listen, and maybe join their seemingly fun conversation to which they gladly welcomed. And so, the conversation rolled, and the threads of stories knitted the narratives.

I learned that they were discussing how they could augment they income to support the growing needs of their children. Their eldest is 17 years old and will soon finish Senior High School. This meant that they needed more funds to support her college education. The others are 14 and 11 years old, respectively.

As I listened to their conversation, I could not help but asked, “Why do you worry about the educational finances since you have grants from 4Ps?” Sure, they receive cash assistance from the program, but the couple cannot just sit and wait.

“Ang Pantawid man gud kay para na sa mga bata. Paunsa man maka-college ang akoang mga bata kung dili mi manarbaho? (The grants that we receive from the Pantawid is intended for children. How else would they be able to finish a college degree if we don’t work?), Chona stated.

I then understood where they are coming from. The 4Ps program only provides for children 18 years old and below or until Senior High School (whichever comes first). Many beneficiaries could hardly proceed to college because of financial constraint, and so the cycle of poverty just continues onto the next generation.

I then asked about their sources of income. Apparently, what they were doing at the time of my visit was their source of income –nipa making. It was fascinating was clean and accurate they weave the nipa leaves into a material that supports and protects families.

Polinar family earns 500 pesos for every 100 pieces of nipa. On average, they earn 6,000 pesos monthly. This only suffice their daily necessities. Good thing that the family is a member of the 4Ps under the DSWD. The program already provides for the educational expenses of children such as allowance, projects, fare, school contributions, etc.

The couple values education so much that they are willing to work even late at night to be able to save money for their children’s schooling.

“Maski gabii manarbaho mi (We work, sometimes even at night),” Chona said with conviction as if she was making a stand against a group of critics.

According to Mr. Jemar, he does not want their children to end up like they did. Jemar only finished Grade 5 which is something that he thinks very unfortunate. He cannot work hard labor as well due to an illness that he had 11 years ago that is why he helps his wife, Chona, in nipa-making.

“Naton-an nako [sa FDS] na maedukar ang mga bata (I learned [in the FDS] that children should be in school,” Chona added.