Twin sisters Marinhel and Marivhel Cha, members of the Agta Tabangnon Indigenous community from Donsol, Sorsogon, represented the Bicol Region in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Indigenous Peoples (IP) Conference held from October 15–17, 2025, at the Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clarkfield, Pampanga.Both students of Donsol National Comprehensive High School, the Cha twins, were recognized as among the Ten Outstanding 4Ps Bicolano Youth 2025 and awarded with Highest Honors for School Year 2024–2025. Beyond their academic achievements, they have also made remarkable contributions as youth leaders in their community.
Marinhel Cha currently serves as President of the Municipal Children’s Federation of Donsol, Sorsogon, Child Representative of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children and the Regional Juvenile Justice Welfare Committee of Region V, as well as Representative of Children in the Basic Sectoral Council of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Region V. Her twin sister, Marivhel Cha, is the Secretary of the Barangay Children’s Federation of Brgy. Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon, a Champion in the 2025 DOST Science Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, and a two-time first-place winner in Copyreading and Headline Writing at the Division Schools Press Conference for School Years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025.
Representing the voice of Agta Tabangnon youth, Marinhel and Marivhel shared their experiences and aspirations as 4Ps beneficiaries. They emphasized the importance of education, cultural pride, and unity in overcoming poverty and discrimination.
“We are honored to represent our fellow Agta Tabangnon and the youth of Bicol. Through 4Ps, we learned that our dreams are valid and that education is a bridge to a better life,” said Marinhel Cha.
“We carry the hope of our people and to preserve our identity while building our future,” added Marivhel Cha.
“We carry the hope of our people and to preserve our identity while building our future,” added Marivhel Cha.
The conference, themed “Shifting the Paradigm for Transformative Partnerships: Catalyzing Private Sector and Multi-Stakeholder Support to Address Child Poverty in Indigenous Communities,” gathered representatives from national and local government agencies, civil society organizations, and IP communities. It served as a platform to strengthen partnerships in addressing child poverty and advancing inclusive development for Indigenous Peoples.
In her closing message, Director Gemma B. Gabuya, National Program Manager of the 4Ps National Program Management Office (NPMO), expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the program’s commitment through the Four Pillars of the New 4Ps: Pangarap, Pagtaya, Pagbabago, and Pagtataguyod — principles guiding every Filipino family toward a life of dignity and empowerment.
As Agta Tabangnon youth leaders, Marinhel and Marivhel Cha embody these pillars through their dedication to education, service, and advocacy. Their journey stands as an inspiring example of how the 4Ps–Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program continues to transform lives and nurture young leaders who champion inclusion, equality, and cultural pride.