A month from today, two 4Ps workers will wear their barong and Filipiniana outfit, filled with confidence, honor, and joy, as they pledge to serve the country as defenders of justice, lawyers, that is.

Two angels in red vests, Angelica Delacerna and Jovani Clem Ema, were recently announced as new additions to the roster of good lawyers in the country.

But long before this much-anticipated moment, now called Atty. Delacerna and Atty. Ema were already serving justice in quiet, practical ways. As frontliners of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), they learned early that poverty is not just about lack of income, but also about lack of access, voice, and protection. Both have personally walked with the poor and seen justice and injustices happen in reality.

In 2015, Angelica Delacerna joined the DSWD as Social Welfare Assistant (SWA). She then became a Municipal Link (ML), doing the case management of poor families under the 4Ps program. With this experience, she was entrusted with the roles of Provincial Grievance Redress System in Zamboanga Del Norte.

As Provincial Grievance Officer, she listens to the unheard, parents confused about compliance, beneficiaries facing wrongful exclusion, and families seeking clarity in moments of crisis. With patience and fairness, she ensures that complaints are properly documented, investigated, and resolved, safeguarding the integrity of the program while protecting the rights of the poor. Her work has always demanded a deep sense of justice. Now, as a newly minted lawyer, Angelica’s commitment takes on a stronger form, one backed by the full weight of the law, ready to defend communities not only within the program, but beyond it.

“I am deeply grateful for my employment [with the DSWD], as it provide[d] me with the means to pursue my personal goals while simultaneously supporting my family. As a social worker, I have the privilege of working closely with our Pantawid beneficiaries. Their success stories is an inspiration, motivating me to strive toward my own aspirations. I am thankful and immensely proud to have dedicated the last 10 years to working withing this department,” Atty. Delacerna said.

Quite frankly, it was not a surprise to her colleagues that she became a lawyer as it was evident that she will become one.

In Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, another Angel in Red Vest is now a lawyer.

It was almost a decade ago since Jovani Clem Ema joined the Department and served the poor as a Municipal Roving Bookkeeper (MRB). He mastered numbers, records, and accountability, ensuring that public funds reach the families who need them most. But beyond spreadsheets and reports, Jovani saw the human stories behind every peso. His efforts ensured that every Pantawid parent will be supported in keeping children in school. His years of service shaped his understanding that transparency and justice go hand in hand.

As a lawyer, he now stands ready to translate that understanding into legal aid, guidance, and protection for communities that rarely find their way to courtrooms.

Yesterday, January 07, 2026, Angelica Delacerna and Jovani Clem Ema were 2 of the names announced among the passers of the Philippine Bar Examination. Angelica and Jovani are proof that public service can grow deeper roots. From helping families navigate social protection to providing legal services to the community, they now carry a larger promise to continue alleviating the lives of the poor, this time, with justice firmly on their side.