POVERTY, faith, and family defined the journey of Mylene Jane Gamayon De La Cruz, but they did not define her limits.
A former beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Barangay Liboran, De La Cruz turned her life’s hardships into fuel, landing in the Top 8 of the November 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).
De La Cruz lost her mother at a young age. Although her father remarried and continued to support the family as a low-wage earner, his income often fell short of their daily needs. Raised primarily by her grandmother alongside her younger brother, De La Cruz admitted that before government intervention, the family struggled to survive.
“Our income was not enough to meet our basic needs,” she recalled.
Despite the scarcity, her father and grandmother remained the pillars of the home, teaching the children that unity and communication could overcome trials that felt overwhelming. Rather than discouraging her, the grind of poverty inspired De La Cruz to push toward a better version of herself.
The role of government aid
The family’s situation began to stabilize when they joined the 4Ps program. Beyond the cash grants, De La Cruz credited the program’s Family Development Sessions (FDS) for reshaping her outlook on resilience.
“The 4Ps program inspired me to dream not only for myself but also for my family,” she shared. “It motivated me to work harder so we can one day live a comfortable and secure life.”
She noted that the sessions provided emotional tools to manage life’s hurdles.
“Through FDS, I learned that poverty is not a hindrance to success,” she said. “With determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, it is possible to rise above challenges.”
Faith and discipline
A graduate of the Bachelor in Elementary Education program at Cagayan de Oro College, De La Cruz had to master the art of balance. She commuted between school and home, handling household chores on weekends while dedicating her evenings to study.
The pressure peaked during the board examination season. Overwhelmed by fear, she turned to the values instilled by her family—respect, discipline, and reliance on God.
“Without your assistance, I would not be where I am today,” she said, addressing the DSWD. “I hope this program continues to help struggling Filipino families and inspire children like me to pursue their dreams.”
Now aiming for a position within the Department of Education (DepEd), De La Cruz hopes to build a stable career, travel, and provide the comfortable life her father and grandmother deserve.
Her message to fellow beneficiaries is one of grit: “Work hard, stay determined, and pray until your dreams become a reality.”
