At age 52, Sherwina J. Juli embarks on a new journey in her quest to lead her family to poverty-alleviation. Paired with her determination are the services offered by various agencies and institutions that aim to support the hard work of Filipino families striving to succeed in life.

Back in the day, Sherwina and her husband struggled to afford the basic needs of their growing family in the coastal municipality of Patikul in the province of Sulu. While her husband is at work, she keeps herself busy with household chores and attending to the needs of their children.

There is no doubt that her husband worked tirelessly to provide for the family. But no matter how much effort he invests, he can only earn so much. His earning did not compensate the needs of the household. This circumstance often gave them anxiety as they were not assured what the future holds for their children with such little earnings.

“Kulang ang aming kinikita kaya madalas kaming nag-aalala sa gastusin para sa pagkain, pag-aaral ng mga anak, at iba pang mahahalagang pangangailangan sa bahay,” Sherwina said.

[Our earning is insufficient which often left us worrying about family expenses, the education of our children, and other needs.]

In 2015, Juli family was registered as one of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a poverty-alleviation program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Other than financial aid, Sherwina highlights the learning she acquires from the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) organized by the program. According to her account, the most helpful knowledge she learned from attending the FDS include how to manage a family, financial management, disaster preparedness, and being a responsible member of the community.

“Dahil dito, naging mas aktibo kami sa komunidad at mas naging maayos ang aming pamumuhay.” Sherwina mentioned.

As part of the program’s intervention to needing families, the case managers often seek other social welfare services, whether internal or outside the Department, that could address the gaps in each family’s well-being.

Realizing that economic stability is what Juli family need most, they were referred to the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD. With the help of the Project Development Officer of the DSWD, 4Ps beneficiaries in Patikul, Sulu were grouped to form an association that would execute, implement, and monitor progress of planned livelihood.

Sherwina became one of the 25 members of the Maligay Poultry Association. They were granted Php 600,000 capital for their livelihood.

On the other hand, to further ensure that the members have the right knowledge in business operations, Sherwina and some 34 other 4Ps beneficiaries were able to attend the One Day Capability Building and Livelihood Workshop spearheaded by the College of Business Administration and Accountancy of the Mindanao State University (MSU) – Sulu.

This timing is perfect for Sherwina to start a business venture as she will be able to share first-hand knowledge and experience to one of her children who is now preparing to take the licensure examination for Accountants.

“Isa sa pinakamalaking biyaya na aming natamo ay ang pagtatapos ng aking anak ng kursong BS Accountancy bilang Cum Laude, at siya ay kasalukuyang naghahanda para sa board examination.”

With this support, Sherwina is hopeful that soon, she will be able to rise from the challenges brought about by poverty. This intervention from the DSWD and MSU enabled the beneficiaries to become entrepreneurs. This also encouraged them to persevere more knowing that the government and academic institutions support their endeavors.