Sukad nga nahimo kong inahan, ang akong daily routine sa balay mao ang pag-ilis sa diaper ug pag-atiman sa akong mga anak, samtang nanarbaho ang akong bana isip habal-habal driver (Since I became a mother, my daily routine includes changing diaper and taking care of my two daughters while my husband works as habal-habal driver for a living),” said Cresty Dablo Galo.
But her life was transformed when she became one of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) grantees, and became recipient of the Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA).
Looking back in 2009, the Galo family was interviewed by the Listahanan enumerator during the 1st round household assessment in Caraga Region. During the assessment, Cresty, 22-year old that time was pregnant to her first child, Wyn. While her husband, Rudy Galo, worked as habal-habal driver. When the assessment result came out in 2011, the family was included in 4Ps.
While attending the needs of their child, her husband needed to work hard to sustain their everyday needs, especially when Cresty became pregnant again to her second child, Xyrel.
CHANGING CAREER
For the past years, Cresty was only focused on her family, acting the role of a mother for her two daughters, and a wife to her husband. Her daily routine included changing diapers, preparing milk, bathing and feeding her children, and taking care of the household chores.
But everything changed when she took the advice of her brother- who happened to be a 4Ps member and ESGP-PA scholar – to enroll and finish her studies in college. In 2015, she took the entrance examination at Caraga State University (CSU) which made her the first step to enter college.
“Sa tinuod lang, gibati ko’g kahadlok tong time nga gi-encourage ko sa akong igsuon nga mubalik eskwela. 11 years gyud ko last naka graduate sa high school ug tanan nako natun-an ako ng nalimtan. Pero taliwala sa akong kahadlok, naa gihapon ang tinguha nga makahuman kog skwela (Honestly, I felt fear when my brother encouraged me to go back to school. I graduated high school 11 years ago and I don’t remember what I’ve learned back then. Yet despite the fear, I still have my eagerness to finish my studies and earn a degree),” she shared.
3-IN-1 (A MOTHER, WIFE AND STUDENT)
With the support of her family, she was enrolled in 1st year college at Caraga State University (CSU). Her eldest sister paid her tuition fee and boarding house, while her husband is in-charge of her weekly allowance. On the next year, she was privileged to be one of the ESGP-PA scholars until she graduated on her chosen field. The monthly allowance she received from the program helped her in sustaining all her needs at school. The program enlightened and motivated her to pursue her college education despite the 3-in-1 role she needed to perform each day.
During her college days, her eldest daughter was also enrolled in Grade 1, while her youngest was enrolled at the Day Care Center and both required parental supervisions. The situation made it even more difficult for Cresty, but with the support of her husband, Rudy managed his time as driver, and took charge of their daughters meanwhile.
While maintaining a good grade, she was elected as ESGP-PA President- Bayugan Chapter and tasked to monitor and disseminate information to all the scholars under the said program. On the other hand, her husband helped their neighbours and co-Pantawid members in complying the modules for the Family Development Sessions through mentoring them one-on-one.
With determination to finish her studies, Cresty finally earned the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Biology, and took the Licensure Examination on 2019 which she became a License Professional Teacher.
HELPING THE COMMUNITY
Today, Cresty works as Science Teacher at Mt. Olive Laymen’s Academy, where she graduated her secondary education.
In terms of financial matter, they can provide the needs of the family compared to the previous years where her husband is the only one working to earn a living.
During the rise of COVID-19, she made herself available to those students who are in need of her assistance. She offered help to her neighbour who have difficulty answering their module brought about by the new normal education. Other than that, her family was always available every time the barangay needed their help.
While Cresty is enjoying her life together with her family, she did not forget to thank God for giving her the opportunity to change her life. She also did not forget how the Program helped her achieve her dreams – from changing diapers, to being a professional teacher, to shaping future learners. ###(Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)
