Way back 2015 in a small town nestled between rolling hills and vast fields, there lived a young dreamer named Margie Fe Dominguez Antiquina, a monitored child of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Barangay Poblacion, Manukan, Zamboanga Del Norte. She came from a humble family, where every day was a struggle to make ends meet. She could have thwarted her dreams of pursuing higher education. However, her burning desire for education surpassed the barriers of financial limitations.

In this small town, the Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was a beacon of hope for ambitious students like her. This initiative aimed to provide financial assistance to deserving individuals, enabling them to pursue higher education. With her unwavering determination and a heart full of dreams, she applied for the scholarship. After a nerve-wracking wait, she received the news that changed the course of her life. She was awarded the ESGP-PA Scholarship, a golden ticket that opened the doors to a brighter future. With the burden of financial constraints lifted, she embarked on her educational journey with a renewed sense of purpose.

Margie Fe took up a bachelor’s degree in education major in Biological Science. As she delved into her studies, she encountered challenges that tested her resilience. The coursework was demanding, and there were moments when self-doubt crept in. However, the ESGP-PA scholarship not only provided financial support but also a community of mentors and peers who uplifted one another. With each passing semester, her confidence grew, and her academic achievements flourished. She became a light of inspiration for her fellow scholars, showcasing the transformative power of education by becoming a student leader in the university. Upon graduating, she stood at the threshold of a new chapter in her life. Empowered by ESGP-PA Scholarship, she secured a prestigious job that allowed her to give back to her community. She became an advocate for education, inspiring other young minds to dream big and reach for the stars. She wants to pass on this beacon of light to other dreamers who may have felt trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty.

In reflecting on her journey, Margie Fe shared

“The Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) of the Department of Social Welfare and Education had not only transformed my life but had ignited a ripple effect of positive change within the community. As I looked back on my journey, I couldn’t help but express gratitude for the scholarship that had been my guiding star. The once struggling dreamer had evolved into a successful, empowered individual, a testament to the profound impact of the Expanded Student’s Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) program on the lives it touched.”

Margie Fe’s story exemplifies the profound impact that targeted support for education can have, not just on an individual’s life but on the broader fabric of society. Her success serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of programs like Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino in creating positive change.

As a result of her hard work and perseverance, she is now a Licensed Professional Teacher and currently pursues a masteral degree. Truly, her story is a testament that with the right aid, one can achieve her dreams.