May 05, 2026 – From cash grants to regular paychecks.

Every two months, Rebby Ann Araneta would see herself lining up in front of an automated teller machine (ATM) in Mauban, Quezon.

As if the heat and the long queue are not enough problems already, she faces a much bigger problem most of the time.

“Habang nakapila kami, hindi nawawala ang mapanghusgang tingin at salita. May mga pagkakataon pa na may magsasabi na dapat sila ang mauna dahil pinaghirapan nila ang pera nila, hindi tulad namin na ‘4Ps lang,’” she recalled.

However, for a mother of three, regardless of her feelings, she needed to get the money no matter what.

“Kailangan kong tiisin dahil ang perang iyon ay nangangahulugan ng pagkain, pang-eskwela, at pangkalusugan ng aking pamilya,” shared Rebby Ann, a resident of Brgy. Concepcion in the said town.

Several years later, she still sees herself in front of ATMs every now and then, only this time, she proudly withdraws the fruit of her hard work, now as a Municipal Link serving the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the very same program that sparked her dream to get out of their situation.

Deciding to change their situation

When her family became a beneficiary of the 4Ps in 2014, Rebby Ann was grateful as her family greatly needed help.

“Nasa bahay lang ako, nag-aalaga ng mga anak para maitawid ang pang-araw-araw naming pangangailangan. Nagrereseller ako ng kung anu-ano, mga damit, pagkain, mga gamit sa bahay. May mga gabing iniisip ko kung saan ako kukuha ng panggastos, may mga araw na kailangan kong mamili kung ang pera ay para sa pagkain ba o baon ng mga anak ko,” recalled Rebby Ann, who mainly relied on her husband’s income as a seasonal farmer.

For Rebby Ann, the 4Ps became an ‘inspiration.’

“Isa sa mga naging malaking tulong sa amin ng 4Ps ay ang pag-aaral ng mga anak ko. Hindi na sila napipilitang lumiban sa klase dahil sa kakulangan sa pera. Unti-unti, mas nagfocus sila sa pag-aaral at nagkaroon sila ng lakas ng loob na mangarap para sa kanilang kinabukasan,” she shared.

According to her, the family development session also instilled to her the value of the health and nutrition of her children.

“Dahil sa mga FDS, natuto ako ng tamang nutrisyon at wastong pag-aalaga sa mga bata. Mas naging maingat ako sa kanilang kalusugan, kaya mas nabawasan na rin ang kanilang pagkakasakit at pagliban sa eskwela,” shared Rebby Ann, who also was chosen as a 4Ps parent leader where she learned leadership, confidence, and service.

However, according to her, despite the big help of the program to their family, she did not rely on it completely.

“Hindi ko ginamit ang 4Ps bilang dahilan para maging kampante, ginamit ko ito bilang tulay dahil hindi p’wedeng habang buhay ay manatili kami sa ganitong sitwasyon. Nagdesisyon akong lumaban at bumalik sa pag-aaral,” shared Rebby Ann.

While the 4Ps supported some of the needs of her children, Rebby Ann and her husband worked together so they could afford her college education.

“Habang nag-aaral ako, hindi naging madali ang lahat. Araw-araw, ihahatid ko nang maaga ang mga anak ko sa bahay ng magulang ko para makapasok ako sa school at para makapagtrabaho rin ang asawa ko. Pagkatapos ng klase, susunduin ko naman sila. Paulit-ulit ang routine, nakakapagod, nakakaubos ng lakas, pero may malinaw na dahilan, may pangarap akong gustong abutin,” she shared.

In 2022, all their sacrifices paid off. She graduated from college and in 2024, she passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers and the Civil Service Examination.

Serving with a purpose

Since May 2023, Rebby Ann has been working at the DSWD Field Office IV-A as a 4Ps Municipal Link in San Juan, Batangas.

For her, this is more than just a job, but a ‘calling.’

“Sa bawat benepisyaryong nakakaharap ko, hindi ko sila tinitingnan bilang numero o listahan. Nakikita ko ang sarili ko sa kanila. Alam ko ang bigat ng kanilang pakiramdam at ang pagod na hindi nakikita ng iba,” shared Rebby Ann, who makes every effort to guide them and inspire them.

According to her, she usually shares her personal experiences with her beneficiaries.

“Gusto kong iparamdam sa kanila na kaya rin nila, na p’wedeng gamitin ang 4Ps bilang tulay. Sa bawat pakikipag-usap ko sa kanila, dala ko lagi ang mensahe na ‘may pag-asa,’ na ang sitwasyon ngayon ay hindi permanente,” she shared.

These days, as she withdraws her salary from any ATM, Rebby Ann stands proud. 

For her, the money she gets not only reflects her family’s improved living conditions but also the lives of the other 4Ps families that she vows to change through her guidance and service.#