I am Atlanta Star Bilason Arcilla, 24 years old, a proud registered Social Worker and currently serving as a Project Development Officer II / Municipal Link under the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Goa, Camarines Sur. But before I stood here, holding a government post, serving communities, and working to uplift others, I was a young girl from a small household in need, with nothing but hope, determination, and the help of the 4Ps Program to get me through. My father is a construction worker, and my mother sells merienda to support our family. I am the only daughter among four siblings, and the only one who qualified under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Looking back, 4Ps made everything possible. The cash grants helped cover school supplies, transportation, daily baon, and other needs that my parents couldn’t afford.

Because of this program, I was able to stay in school and pursue my dreams. “Tinawid kami ng programa mula sa matinding kahirapan patungo sa mas maayos na buhay.”

I studied a Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Bicol University, Tabaco Campus. It was far from easy. I was a working student. During the pandemic, I worked part-time as a crew member at McDonald’s while attending online classes. Later, I switched to a BPO job at Sutherland as a Customer Service Representative, working the night shift from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM. The shift paid better, but it took a toll on my body and mind. I would go straight to school, half-asleep, with painful eyes, but I still pushed through. I was often late, but I refused to be absent. I didn’t want to miss a single class or exam. Because I knew: education was my only way out. I didn’t expect to graduate with honors; I just wanted to graduate. But, by God’s grace, in 2024, I graduated with honors as a Cum Laude. And soon after, I passed the Social Work Licensure Exam on my first try as well as the Civil Service Professional Exam. I owe it all to hard work, faith, and the support I received from my family, from a cousin who helped me in my final years of college, and especially from the 4Ps Program. Without that support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Now, I serve in the very agency that once served me. As a Municipal Link, I help monitor and support the same families I once stood among. And each time I speak to a child or parent under the 4Ps Program, I see myself, and I tell them: “Kaya niyo rin.” This is not just my story, it’s a story of resilience, sacrifice, and the power of believing in the poor. It proves that poverty is not a life sentence, and that with programs like 4Ps, and with enough determination, anyone can rise above their circumstances.

I am Atlanta Star Bilason Arcilla, a daughter of laborers, a 4Ps beneficiary, a proud graduate of Bicol University Tabaco Campus, a civil servant, and living proof that dreams do come true when someone gives you a chance, and you do things to make them happen.

Written by: Atlanta Star Bilason Arcilla