Before joining the 4Ps program, Romel Jhun Salac’s life was defined by hardship. Every day was a battle for survival. His family’s income, though steady, was barely enough to meet their basic needs. They would sit down at the table for three simple meals, and while others took such things for granted, for his family, each meal was a victory over hunger. But beyond the daily struggle to feed themselves, another challenge loomed—healthcare.

Whenever someone fell ill, there was no doctor to consult, no hospital to visit. Medical expenses were far beyond their reach. They had no choice but to rely on local healers and herbal remedies, a tradition passed down from their ancestors. This wasn’t by choice but out of sheer necessity. But in the back of his mind, he knew that these methods could only do so much. A simple cold could easily turn into something much worse, and the fear of that was always present.

As if those struggles weren’t enough, education was yet another mountain to climb. He was determined to study, but the reality of poverty made it nearly impossible. His parents wanted to help him achieve his dreams, but they couldn’t always come up with the money for his tuition or even his transportation to school. More than once, he found himself walking miles just to attend his classes. Sometimes, the cost of learning felt like an insurmountable obstacle.

Then, in 2009, everything changed. His family became members of the 4Ps program. It was as if a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Suddenly, many of the problems that had seemed impossible to solve were no longer an issue. His school fees were covered, and even his daily transportation was taken care of. The constant worry about whether or not he could continue his studies began to fade away.

But the benefits of the program extended beyond financial aid. Through the Family Development Sessions (FDS), his family gained access to healthcare services they had only dreamed of. No longer did they have to rely on old remedies and prayers. They learned about preventive healthcare, the importance of regular checkups, and proper nutrition. These lessons were life-changing, not just for him but for his entire family.

The FDS also taught his family how to manage their money wisely, an essential skill for anyone trying to rise from poverty. They learned about the importance of saving for the future and how even small amounts could make a big difference over time. With newfound knowledge, they turned their backyard into a small garden, growing vegetables that supplemented their meals and reduced their expenses. What had once been an empty plot of land became a symbol of hope and self-sufficiency.

Her younger siblings, John Carlo and Jurivem, were also brought under the wings of the program. Like him, they were given the opportunity to stay in school and continue their education without the burden of financial worry. It was as if the entire family had been given a fresh start—a chance to break free from the chains of poverty.

In school, he didn’t just focus on his studies; he thrived. He threw himself into various activities, joining dance contests, comedy performances, and sports teams. Each opportunity to participate was a chance to prove that despite the odds, he was capable of excelling. He became a representative for his department in the Supreme Student Council (SSC), eventually serving as vice president. It was a role that taught him leadership, responsibility, and the power of making his voice heard.

When it came time to choose his course of study, he selected Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Technology was the future, and he knew it. It was his key to securing a stable job in a world where digital skills were in demand. He also saw it as a path to entrepreneurship—perhaps one day, he would start his own business, breaking away from the limitations of his past.

But his journey through college was anything but easy. Every step forward was met with challenges, from financial stress to academic pressure. Yet, each obstacle made him stronger. He learned resilience and perseverance, qualities that would serve him well in the years to come. And in the end, his hard work paid off. He graduated with honors—a true testament to his dedication and determination. The recognition wasn’t just a piece of paper; it was a symbol of everything he had overcome.

His strategy throughout it all was simple: take life one step at a time. He didn’t rush. Every decision was carefully considered, every step thought through. He knew that success wasn’t about moving quickly but about moving wisely. This patience and careful planning became his guiding principles.

After graduation, he found work as an Office Staff and Sales Clerk at Jelyco Enterprises. In his role, he put his hard-earned skills to use—encoding data, designing graphics, and contributing to the daily operations of the business. It wasn’t just a job; it was proof that his education had opened doors for him. He was now in a position to help support his family, and the lessons he learned in managing money and building a future from the 4Ps were put into practice every day. Romel Jhun believes that 4Ps is not just a program that provide cash grants but rather an aid to development and self-improvement. It teaches valuable lessons that can be applied in real life.

To the young students out there, facing the same hardships he once did, he offers this advice: “Believe in yourself. Trust in your abilities, and never stop praying. The road will be difficult. There will be times when you’ll want to give up. But don’t. Keep fighting for your dreams, because one day, you’ll find yourself standing at the finish line, filled with joy and pride because you made it.”

His story is one of resilience, of overcoming the odds, and of never losing hope. As he reflects on his journey, he often shares this quote: “Never give up and don’t lose hope, because in every darkness, there’s always a light guiding you toward success.” It’s a lesson that carried him through the hardest times—and one he hopes will inspire others to find their own light in the darkness.