Two more success stories have emerged from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), proving that with government assistance, perseverance, faith, and opportunity, dreams truly have no limits.
Golda Meir Piñon, a former 4Ps monitored child, and Lea Leonen Rivera, from a 4Ps household beneficiary, will soon take their oath as new lawyers, transforming the support they once received into remarkable professional milestones.
For both Golda Meir and Lea Leonen, the journey to becoming lawyers was not easy. Behind the title and formalities were years of sacrifice, long nights of studying, financial challenges, and moments of doubt. Yet, the belief that education could change the trajectory of their lives kept them from moving forward.
“Feeling overly blessed po na maipasa ang bar examinations. Nagbunga rin ang lahat na paghihirap sa pag-aaral at pati na rin ang suporta ng aking magulang at mga kamag-anak na sumuporta sa akin. Alam kong simula pa lang ng mga mas mabibigat pang hamon na darating pero salamat sa Diyos kasi nakausad na ako,” Golda Meir said.
Golda Meir said the 4Ps was a lifeline that kept her focused on education despite financial hardships. She explained that the financial support from 4Ps went beyond her allowance, helping cover household expenses like electricity and food.
“Malaki ang naging tulong ng 4Ps sa amin, walang halong biro. Bukod sa pagtitinda ng mama ko ay nakadagdag ang ibinibigay ng gobyerno para punan ang mga pangangailangan namin. Hanggang sa nakarating ako ng college at napabilang sa ESGP-PA (Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation) na program ng DSWD [at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno]. Sobrang laking tulong ng financial support na binibigay sa akin,” Golda Meir said.
She even recalled that even as a child, she was deeply devoted to prayer, often crying over small intentions and insisting on praying seated rather than lying down.
“Kahit na wala akong baon noon sa pagpasok, sinisipagan ko pa ring pumasok sa klase at hindi ako lumiliban unless ay maospital ako. Naaalala ko pa nga na kumpleto ang notes ko noon at doon pa ako sa ‘dalikan’ nagrereview habang binabantayan ang sinaing. At kahit naging constant ang kahirapan namin mula pagkabata, madasalin talaga ako,” Golda Meir shared.
During her one-month leave to review for the bar exam, she never missed a day of attending church and praying, making it a non-negotiable part of her routine despite time constraints.
Golda Meir emphasized that even after achieving one’s dreams, staying humble is essential, believing that humility is what truly carries a person far.
She recalled that, despite the challenges when she was still in college, she hardly felt the strain because of the steady support she received. Grateful for this opportunity, Atty. Piñon said it gave her no excuse not to finish her studies.
“Bilang hindi po ako galing sa marangyang pamilya, sinikap ko pong mag-aral ng law school habang nagtuturo sa public secondary school. Breadwinner din po kasi ako, bilang panganay sa tatlong magkakapatid. Sixty-four years old na ang mama ko at solo parent siya mula pa nung 4 years old ako,” Piñon narrated.
For Lea Leonen, the path to law school was equally challenging, balancing a demanding job with rigorous studies.
“Sobrang saya ko noong nalaman kong pumasa ako. Parang naalala ko lahat ng paghihirap at pagod ko noong nag-aaral ako hanggang sa review. Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa Panginoon at ipinagkaloob niya ito sa akin,” the former 4Ps beneficiary said.
Lea, who also benefited from the 4Ps indirectly through the grants her family received, credits the program for allowing her to pursue her legal education.
“Isa akong call center agent noong pumasok ako ng law school hanggang sa nagtapos ako. Doble ang hirap. Halos hindi na ako natutulog. Kung meron man, tatlo hanggang apat na oras lang. Ang aking Saturday class ang pinakamahirap sa lahat dahil graveyard shift ako ng Biyernes. Wala talaga akong tulog na pumapasok. Pero nilaban ko nalang talaga at pinasa Diyos ang lahat,” Lea Leonen explained.
Her advice to fellow youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, carries the same message of perseverance and faith.
“Sana ay marami pa kayong kabataan na matulungan upang makamit ang mga pangarap nila. Sa mga kabataan, lalo na sa mga nagmula sa mahirap na pamilya, samantalahin po natin ang tulong ng ating gobyerno at gamitin ito para maabot ang ating mga pangarap. Always remember, we can do more with less. There will be times that it will become tiring, on the verge of giving up, but endure it a little more and you’ll be fine. Always pray,” Lea Leonen mused.
The journeys of Golda Meir and Lea Leonen, who will soon be known as Attorneys Piñon and Rivera, serve as a reminder that poverty does not determine one’s potential. With support from the government, hard work, and faith, Filipinos can reach heights they once only dreamed of, inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
The 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and a human capital investment program of the Philippine government, with the DSWD as the lead agency.
Eligible household-beneficiaries are entitled to receive cash grants provided that the conditions on health, nutrition, and education are complied with. (KI)
