Every morning, Sarrah prepares a glass of milk, as if she has just one child. But she has six children and she is forced to simply give each one of them a sip from the glass hoping that it would be enough nutrition to last until the next glass can be prepared.

This is how 26-year-old Sarrah Jane Mapacpac of Brgy. Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City describes how difficult their life was before. Her husband buys and sells junks and usually does not earn enough money for their family of eight.

With the coming of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, her family’s life has changed. Sarrah is very much thankful for the assistance provided to their family, especially to her children’s health and education.

“Noon, hirap na hirap kami sa pagpapabaon sa mga bata .  Pati rin ang mgabayarin an school project di naminmatugunan kung kaya’t  binabalewala ko ang mga pa-meetings sa school,” she shared.

She relayed that oftentimes, she gets embarrassed with the teacher because she usually does not have any money to pay for her children’s school fees.

With the support she is receiving from Pantawid Pamilya, she makes sure every centavo goes to her children. Now, she does not worry about her children’s school needs, especially when it comes to paying for school contributions. As a result, her children are very enthusiastic about going to school.  They are inspired and became responsible when it comes to education as no one wants to be absent  anymore.

“Dati, hindi ko rin pinapapacheckup ang mga anak ko kasi wala kaming pambili ng gamot. Ngayon na naging benepisyaryo kami ng Pantawid, nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob na pumunta sa center at natutukan ko ang pagpapacheckup sa mga bata. Ngayon, kahit walang sakit, dinadala ko na sila sa health center,” Sarrah said.

She is also proud to say that if four of her children are underweight before Pantawid Pamilya, all are now in good health. She related how surprised the health worker was when she noted how well the weight of her children has improved.

She also added that being a beneficiary of the program made her become a more responsible mother. Through Family Development Sessions, she was reminded of her responsibilities and now, she is able to perform her roles as a mother.

“Ngayon, hindi na ako nananakit ng mga anak ko at hindi na rin masyadong nagagalit sa kanila,” Sarrah shared.

With Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sarrah learned to dream for her family, especially for her children.

“Itataas ko ang antas ng aming pamumuhay. Hinding-hindi na kami babalik doon sa buhay na talagang hirap na hirap,” she said.

Right now, when it is time for breakfast, Sarrah has six glasses of milk to prepare for all six children. Each one of them receives a full glass of milk, a good start for their day and definitely a good start for the good future she is eyeing for her family.***