It used to be my only dream to graduate and finish my studies. And now, here I am; standing in front of thousands of students, waving my flag, as a successful product of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

To graduate and be successful in life has always been my dream, not because I just want it for myself but for my family, my mom, my siblings, my nieces and nephews.

But this success never came easy. It is an outcome of tremendous effort with a bit of sacrifices here and there. I may not have landed on my initial plan, but His plan was greater than what I had in mind.

 

A DRAFT PLAN

When I was younger, my dream was to become a chef. I wanted to feel like my world was the exquisite kitchen with luxurious tools. I imagined myself wearing a black kitchen apron, working on a cruise ship, going abroad and having my own restaurant. But as they say, what is not meant for you will never be yours no matter how hard you wish to the stars. But life had a different plan for me.

At an early age, I endured the loss of my beloved father. The pain almost killed me and my mom. We were almost always together because my siblings were far away from us as they were working students so they could support their studies. My mom did everything just so we could make ends meet. She worked as a helper, a nanny, and a cook in a canteen, cooking banana and anchovy products. The only thing that kept my hope burning was my faith in God that this was His will, and I trust Him. So, despite the vicissitudes in life, I know that God has not abandoned us, that we always have Him with us in everything.

When I reached high school, financial constraints still were persistent in putting us down. I recall instances when I could hardly buy the things I needed for school, my projects and requirements, the things that needed to be paid for. Even food was a scarce for me at that time.

Being in such situation, will I still be able to attain my dreams in life?

Fear enveloped my whole being because I surely did not want to end up like many poor families I’ve seen. I truly believe that education is the key to escape the unfortunate situation that we were in. But what can I do?

 

A RE-ROUTE

I felt relieved and my hopes shoot up again when we became a beneficiary of DSWD’s 4Ps program. Gradually we were able to provide for my school needs as well as our daily needs. The 4Ps has also helped us a lot, our financial burden is no longer heavy. We were able to buy things that we needed, and I had a sufficient budget for daily school and personal needs. I owe a lot of gratitude to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The Pandemic came, the education system suddenly changed from the traditional setting to the new normal online classes. Gadgets were immensely a need to continue learning and keep up with the times. These were the times when I thought I would not be able to continue my studies because I did not have the equipment needed to keep up with the education system.

Even so, I was still determined to pursue college education. The worry took a toll on me as I experienced anxiety. But by the grace of God, I was able to continue studying, keep up with the modern education system and here I am today, having completed the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology.

Modesty aside, despite the challenges I’ve hurdled, I finished strong and with flying colors. During our graduation, I am one of the proud students who marched with my head held high as a CUM LAUDE finisher. This recognition is dedicated to my family and to all people who, one way or another, became instruments of help for me to reach this treasured milestone.

Hayaan mong mabago ang iyong Pangarap, pero huwag mong hayaan na baguhin ka ng iyong Pangarap. Hindi perpekto ang buhay nating mga tao. Minsan magulo, minsan nama’y nakakalito, naroon pang nakakapagod at nakakadismaya pero huwag nating hayaan na sa kalungkutan at hinagpis tayo’y magpadala. Kung hindi man ngayon ay mayroon ding tamang panahon. Kung hindi man yung gusto natin, ibig sabihin ay mayroon pang mas hihigit doon na para sa atin. Magtiwala ka sa Diyos dahil ang sa atin na imposible, sa Kanya’y posible.

I am Chrismarie C. Dari, proud 4Ps beneficiary, Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino.