Roxanne Gil’s inspiring journey from an educational assistance beneficiary to a dedicated Social Welfare Officer II at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a testament to the transformative power of support and determination.

Roxanne’s story begins in Naga, where she pursued a course in Social Work at a private institution, the only one in the area offering this program. Despite her passion for the field, financial challenges loomed large, making it difficult to cover all her school expenses. Each semester, Roxanne would patiently line up to receive Educational Assistance from the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program.

“Sa loob ng halos apat na taon, naging katuwang po ng aming pamilya ang DSWD AICS para matustusan ang iba ko pang bayarin sa kolehiyo at tuluyan nga pong makapagtapos,” Roxanne recalls.

(For almost four years, the DSWD AICS was a vital partner for my family, providing augmentation to my college expenses and ultimately allowing me to graduate.)

The educational assistance she received from the DSWD was more than just financial aid; it was a beacon of hope that kept her dream alive.

“Ako po ay anak ng simpleng tricycle driver at housewife, na nangarap makapagtapos ng kursong Social Work. Pero hindi po iyon nagging madali, dahil sa Naga po, wala pong pampublikong paaralan na nagbibigay ng kursong ito, tanging [pribadong institusyon] po lamang.”

(I am a child of a simple tricycle driver and a housewife, who dreamed of finishing a degree in Social Work. But that was not easy, because in Naga, there is no public school that offers this course, only [a private institution].)

Today, Roxanne stands on the other side of the desk, now a registered Social Worker and a Social Welfare Officer II at the DSWD Crisis Intervention Section, where the AICS program is managed. Currently, she is deployed at the CIS-AICS Tigaon Satellite Office in Camarines Sur, and she is now one of the dedicated individuals providing educational assistance and other forms of aid to those in need. Her firsthand experience with the AICS program allows her to empathize deeply with the beneficiaries she serves, knowing the profound impact this support can have.

“Sa kasalukuyan, ako ay ganap na Social Worker na nanunungkulan sa DSWD Bicol bilang isang frontliner na katuwang ng ahensya sa pag-aabot ng Educational Assistance at iba-iba pang programa para sa mga bulberableng sektor ng lipunan at sa mga taong may krisis na kinakaharap,” she proudly proclaimed.

(Currently, I am a full-pledged Registered Social Worker  serving at DSWD Bicol as a frontliner, assisting the agency in providing Educational Assistance and various other programs for vulnerable sectors of society and individuals facing crises.)

Roxanne’s journey exemplifies the ripple effect of support and perseverance. Her transformation from a student reliant on educational assistance to a professional offering the same support to others showcases the enduring power of community and the importance of giving back. Her story is not just about overcoming personal obstacles but also about the cyclical nature of kindness and support, where those who once received help are now in a position to provide it.

In sharing her story, Roxanne hopes to inspire other students facing financial difficulties to persevere and take advantage of the support systems available. She stands as a proud product of the DSWD AICS program, a living testament to how DSWD programs can change lives and build stronger, more compassionate communities.#