Veronica Constantino is a 17 years old out-of-school youth of Barangay Sta. Maria, General Luna, Quezon. She is among the volunteers who helped implement their 1.1 kms farm to market road project under the Kalahi-CIDSS program. Despite her own struggles, she hopes that the road project would be the start of progress for their community.***

Veronica Constantino is an out-of-school youth who chose to make herself worthy to her community despite being deprived of education.

Veronica was one of the volunteers of Barangay Sta. Maria, General Luna, Quezon who worked on the construction of their farm to market road project. Although she is only 17 years old, she knows that she can help in the implementation of their P2.026M community project under Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS).

Kalahi-CIDSS is a government’s program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It provides assistance to poor communities particularly along infrastructure and facility development through a community empowerment activity cycle.

“I would like to help my community as long as I can. Because it is not only for the good of my family, but for all of us,” she said.

Their farm to market road project is 1.10km long and is expected to benefit at least 80 households in their barangay alone.

“Before, we took off our slippers as the path is so muddy and slippery. But, thanks to Kalahi-CIDSS we no longer endure such hardships going to and from our barangay,” she added.

Struggles, Community Development

Although Veronica struggles financially and health-wise, but these didn’t stop her to continue helping.

“My parents can’t able to finance my college education so I decided to be a working student but my dreams fall apart when I was diagnosed to have an ulcer and goiter and had experienced fainting in three separate occasions,” Veronica related.

Despite her condition and advises that she rest, Veronica still prefer to keep herself busy. “I didn’t want to stay in the house. I wanted to help my family in any way I can. Even if I a health condition, I chose to be busy and volunteered to be part of this FMR project. I just have to make sure that I get enough rest and eat properly before any task so as not to be a burden to anyone,” she added.

Veronica recalls the nervousness she felt when she presented their project during the inter barangay forum. “Even though we prepared for the presentation, I still felt nervous. Luckily, our barangay was provided with project and all of my town folks were happy. It was really a worthy experience,” she said.

Dreams to Fulfill

Youth like Veronica are the hope of our country. She wanted to go on college but was constrained financially. Although things could have gone worse, she chose to turn the tides and do worthy things. Veronica proved that despite the lack of opportunity, determination made her worthy.

“Given the opportunity, I would like to finish my schooling. More than that, I hope that this road projects of ours will be the start of my community’s progress,” she ended.***