“No toil meant no coins, and no coins only meant hunger.”
This line from the novel Breaking the Scroll, written by Filipino author Jane Vergara, underscores the importance of hard work in achieving one’s goal.
This sentiment resonates deeply with Mary Lou Calpe, as a solo parent who never stopped pursuing her goal in securing a college degree in Elementary Education from the Daraga Community College.
Growing up, she faced significant hardships but Marylou always found a way to survive. Her dream was simple – finish her degree, find a job, and earn enough money so that her family would never go hungry.
At 21 years old, Mary Lou is a single mother to a four-year-old daughter and the primary breadwinner for her household.
The transition from a new graduate to a professional is daunting for anyone. However, for a cash-strapped single mother, the “hidden costs” of success—pre-employment requirements, travel expenses, and a lack of experience—felt like an unscalable wall.
The KALAHI-CIDSS Spark
The turning point came when Mary Lou became a beneficiary of the cash-for-work program (CFWP) under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
For the single mother, the program was not just a temporary job — it was the “stepping stone” she had been praying and waiting for.
“Noong nalaman kong sa DSWD ako ilalagay, parang isang stepping stone. As a fresh graduate parang isa siya sa mga experiences na madadala ko in the near future ko. Tapos yung vibe na nasa office ka po, yung parang very professional ka tingnan,” Mary Lou shared.
Assigned at the DSWD’s Field Office 5 – Bicol Region, Mary Lou stepped into a world of professional growth. The young mother found herself encoding databases and organizing documents that help change lives of the disadvantaged—much like her own life was being transformed.
More Than a Paycheck
While the program provided her with Php 20,460.37—a vital sum that allowed her to finally fund her pre-employment requirements—the true value was found in her transformation.
Mary Lou wasn’t just a participant; she was honed as a leader. Tasked with heading a group of fellow students and graduates, Mary Lou learned the delicate art of collaboration and the grit required to maintain a positive attitude under pressure. She found her voice, her confidence, and her sense of leadership.
“So, kung baga itong program na ito will also help to develop themselves din po. Hindi lang para maka-help sa work experience kundi para din po sa personal. Ma-build yung ano nila [confidence], mag-grow din po sila,” Mary Lou said.
A Brighter Horizon
Every document she filed and every hour she worked was an investment toward a better life for Mary Lou and her daughter. The obstacles she faced weren’t excuses to quit—they were the reasons she had to keep going.
“Ngayon mahirap ang buhay pero kapag nagtiyaga ka, sa-success ka din sa buhay. Basta lagyan mo lang siya ng tiyaga and always enjoy lang,” Mary Lou advised her fellow graduates.
Through the DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS program, Mary Lou found more than just temporary income—she found the direction and dignity to turn her determination into reality.
A teacher in the making, Mary Lou reflected on her journey with KALAHI-CIDSS, saying, “even if my hard-earned money will not give us a billionaire-like life, at least it will help us provide for our daily needs and at least we can buy food to eat every day.” (NT)
