“Objection, Your Honor!” a line that usually heard in movies and television when a court scene is presented where one objects or is against something said by another party. Apparently, the same line also applies to life in poverty. Kerth Jay O. Alunan objects living an impoverished life.

In an old town in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Norte, there lives a family of 10. The head of the household works as a Job Order employee earning a meager income to support his family.  The mother, on the other hand, is very much exeptional at keeping the house tidy, and more importantly, raising very well mannered children. With eight children, their household is surely filled with laughters, noises of children running around the house, and playful children rumble. But despite the fun in having a big family, one fact cannot be denied. The Alunan household lived in poverty.

Kerth Jay, being the youngest in the family, have seen life from the perspective of his parents and older siblings. His father worked hard to provide the needs of the family while his mother helped as much as she could. His older siblings had their own stories of sacrifices and disappointments that, if anything, made them even stronger to rise from the challenges of life.

Being born to a poor family, Kerth Jay feared that he may not reach his dreams for himself and for his family. Usually, a poor family often has less access to services and are given less opportunities in life.

But Kerth Jay feels fortunate and blessed that the Alunan family became beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program provided for his educational needs througout elementary and secondary. However, as per guidelines, the program only provides until a child finishes high school. His college education was at risk.

The DSWD then had a scholarship program called the Expanded Students’ Grant-in-aid Program for Poverty Alleviation or simply, the ESGP-PA. This program catered students who are in poor situations such as the children of 4Ps members. Because of the 4Ps, Kerth Jay became a grantee of the ESGP-PA.

“Dahil sa 4Ps, nakapag-aral ako ng kolehiyo. Nabayaran ko ang aking tuition at miscellaneous fees, nakabili ng mga kinakailangang libro, at nakapagbayad ng renta sa aming boarding house—mga bagay na hindi kayang tustusan ng aking mga magulang dahil sa kanilang kakarampot na kita. (Because of 4Ps, I was able to study in college. It helped me pay my tuition and miscellaneous fees, I had funds for the much-needed books, I was able to afford a boarding house –things that my parents would surely have a hard time providing because they only earn so little from their jobs,” Kerth Kay shared.

In college, Kerth Jay took up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at Jose Rizal Memorial State University. He diligently worked hard in school so that the government see him as a worthy investment. His parents, family members, friends, and the DSWD-4Ps are so proud of his success in college. But he was not yet done, after his graduation in BS Accountancy, he proceeded and enrolled in law school.

Just recently, Kerth Jay’s name was posted as one of the passers of the 2024 Bar Examinations given last September 8, 11, and 15, 2024.

Finally, he is now ATTY. KERTH JAY OMILIG ALUNAN.

When asked about his message to 4Ps children like he was, this is what he has to say:

“Para sa ating mga mahihirap, ang tamang edukasyon ang pinakamabisang paraan upang mabago ang ating buhay at maiangat ang ating sarili mula sa kahirapan. Ang daan patungo sa pagtatapos ay hindi madali at puno ng mga hamon, ngunit huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Palaging magdasal, at humugot ng lakas at inspirasyon mula sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Tandaan, ang lahat ng inyong pagsisikap at sakripisyo ay masusuklian din balang araw. (For poor people like us, education is the most effective way to change the course of our lives and lift our situation from poverty. The road to success is not easy and it is full of challenges, but do not lose hope. Always pray and draw strength and inspiration from your loved ones. Remember that your perseverance and sacrifices will be paid off someday.”