Bislig 4Ps beneficiary graduates magna cum laude, inspires learners to pursue their dreams
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — What once helped Rona Mae A. Domogoy buy notebooks, school uniforms, and a pair of shoes eventually became one of the foundations of her greatest achievement.
Raised in a humble family in Barangay Burboanan, Bislig City, Rona Mae grew up as a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a government initiative supporting low-income families by investing in the health and education of their children.
Like many young beneficiaries, she looked forward to every payout, not because it meant extra money to spend, but because it was another chance to stay in school.
“I availed of the 4Ps program from elementary until I turned 18 years old,” Rona Mae shared in a phone patch interview with PIA. “The assistance helped me continue my studies. My four siblings and I were all beneficiaries of the program.”
After aging out of the program, she pursued higher education at Northeastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU)-Bislig Campus, where she took up a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English.
In June 2026, Rona Mae graduated magna cum laude, proving that determination, combined with family support and government assistance, can open doors to opportunities that once seemed beyond reach.
Looking back, she admitted that as a child she did not fully understand her parents’ financial burden. It was only later that she realized how the government’s educational support eased their struggles and allowed her to keep chasing her dreams.
“My story is proof that when families are given opportunities and children are supported in their education, dreams become attainable,” she said.
She encouraged fellow 4Ps beneficiaries not to lose hope despite the challenges they face.
“I hope my journey serves as an inspiration to every 4Ps beneficiary who may still be struggling today,” she said.
Rona Mae emphasized that poverty should never define a person’s future. Despite the hardships and limitations brought about by financial challenges, she encouraged fellow beneficiaries to persevere in pursuing their education and dreams.
“Continue showing up, continue learning, and continue believing in yourself. One day, you, too, will look back and realize that the very assistance that once helped you buy your school supplies became part of the foundation of your success,” she added.
Rona Mae’s story demonstrates that while government assistance may begin with helping families meet their basic educational needs, its true value lies in creating opportunities that empower children to break the cycle of poverty.
Her journey stands as a testament to the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s continuing commitment to inclusive human development under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda, where every Filipino child, regardless of circumstance, is allowed to learn, succeed, and build a better future. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)