POVERTY, faith and family shaped the journey of Mylene Jane Gamayon De La Cruz, a former Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary from Barangay Liboran, Baungon, Bukidnon, who landed Top 8 in the November 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).
Mylene Jane drew strength from lifeโs hardships as she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher.
She credited her success to God, her family, and the challenges of poverty that pushed her to persevere and strive for a better future.
โThe 4Ps program inspired me to dream not only for myself but also for my family,โ she shared. โIt motivated me to work harder so we can one day live a comfortable and secure life.โ
Mylene Jane lost her mother at an early age and grew up under the care of her grandmother alongside her younger brother after her father remarried. Although her father continued to support them, his income as a low-wage earner failed to meet their daily needs, making life even more difficult.
Despite these challenges, her father and grandmother remained the pillars of their family. Through unity, constant communication, and mutual support, they overcame trials that once felt overwhelming. Rather than discouraging her, poverty inspired Mylene Jane to push forward and become the best version of herself.
Before joining 4Ps, her family struggled to survive. โOur income was not enough to meet our basic needs,โ she recalled. The familyโs situation began to improve when they became part of the program, which provided not only financial assistance but also guidance and hope.
Family Development Sessions shape values
Mylene Jane emphasized the impact of the Family Development Sessions (FDS) in shaping her outlook on family life and poverty. The sessions helped her understand how to manage challenges both financially and emotionally.
โThrough FDS, I learned that poverty is not a hindrance to success,โ she said. โWith determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, it is possible to rise above challenges.โ
She credited the 4Ps for helping uplift her family and serving as a vital support system that gave them stability and hope.
More than the cash grants, the program taught her resilience, strengthened her faith, and fueled her dreams.
Faith as a source of strength
Faith remained a constant source of strength for Mylene Jane and her family, who are devoted Christians in Baungon, Bukidnon. During moments of illness, financial hardship, and uncertaintyโespecially while paying for her college educationโthey turned to prayer.
During the board examination season, fear and pressure overwhelmed her. In complete surrender, she entrusted everything to God, finding peace, courage, and strength to move forward.
Values and discipline at home
Mylene Janeโs father and grandmother instilled in her and her brother values of respect, discipline, and hope despite their hardships. They taught her to respect everyone, remain accountable for her actions, and hold on to hope that hard work and prayer would eventually bear fruit.
These values guided her throughout her academic journey and beyond.
Balancing responsibilities and dreams
While studying in Cagayan de Oro City, Mylene Jane managed her time carefully as she balanced academics, family responsibilities, and self-care.
She traveled back and forth between school and home, spent quality time with her family, helped with household chores on weekends, and dedicated her evenings to studying.
To motivate herself, she practiced self-love by rewarding small achievements, which kept her focused and determined.
Hope for a better future
Mylene Jane dreams of a stable career that will allow her to provide a comfortable life for her family.
She hopes her siblings will finish their studies and secure stable jobs, and she prays for good health for her father and grandmother so they can witness her achievements.
A graduate of Bachelor in Elementary Education at Cagayan de Oro College, she now aims to work as a teacher in a school run by the Department of Education (DepEd).
She also dreams of owning a home, traveling, and continuing to support her family.
Giving back to the community
Mylene Jane and her family remain active in community service in Barangay Liboran.
They view community involvement as a way of giving back and expressing gratitude for the government programs that supported them during difficult times.
Gratitude to DSWD and 4Ps
With her achievement, Mylene Jane expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the 4Ps program.
โWithout your assistance, I would not be where I am today,โ she said. โI hope this program continues to help struggling Filipino families and inspire children like me to pursue their dreams.โ
Message to fellow 4Ps beneficiaries
Mylene Jane urged fellow 4Ps beneficiaries to value the opportunities provided by the program beyond cash assistance. She encouraged parents to support their childrenโs education, provide guidance in all aspects of life, and never allow poverty to hinder their dreams.
โWork hard, stay determined, and pray until your dreams become a reality,โ she said.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is the Philippine governmentโs flagship poverty reduction initiative, managed by the DSWD. It provides conditional cash transfers to improve the health, nutrition, and education of poor households.
Currently, 181,814 families in Northern Mindanao benefit from the program.
