The story of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary Jessiemae Sabanto Buo’s family has always been anchored in their big dreams and bigger determination.

Jessiemae and Jerole G. Buo were married in 2014. The couple is blessed with three children: Jerole Jr., Jefferson, and Jezrel Jade.

The couple, who resides in the Municipality of Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, became part of the said program in 2018 – Sibagat is among the pilot areas of the program which started in 2008.

With a Php12,000 monthly income, they are having difficulties in budgeting their daily expenses. However, they were trying very hard to save money when Jessiemae got pregnant and wanted to have a house of their own.

Even with a low income they had managed to build their simple yet comfortable house in 2016.

The Buo household became an active beneficiary of the 4Ps in 2018. For them it was a blessing to face their struggles in their financial needs.

The cash grants they received every couple of months is a big help for their needs. The family were able to provide the basic needs, school supplies, and clothing for their children without relying on Jerole’s salary.

“The grants were really a big help for my children’s education,” Jessiemae said.

With the financial support of the said program, Jessiemae started to have a small business by selling “kakanin”. She also ventured into online selling business, something handy especially during the pandemic.

The couple was very grateful when Jessiemae’s husband got a salary raise and benefits such as one sack of rice per month, hazard pay, and others.

The couple decided to fully furnish their house and fulfill their dream through determination, hard work, and positive outlook in life.

Indeed, 4Ps played a big part of how the family’s living condition improved. What they have now is because of how they managed to be productive, and at the same time, because of the grants they received from the program. They only wish that the program will be able to serve more poor families so that they will also enjoy the benefits of the program.