Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Diana, 36 years of age and a mother of three is now on her way of achieving her goal in life, making her dreams a reality and reaching success in her own little way.

The Arsolon’s is residing in Barangay Del Carmen, Uson, Masbate. Diana earns a living by rendering manicure and pedicure services in the neighborhood while Danny is a contractual construction worker. The Php 8,000 monthly income of the Arsolon is barely good enough for the family. Life had been very hard for the couple when Danny met an accident while at work. “When would things be easier for us?” was Diana’s question.

In September, 2009 a blessing came. It was when the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program came to Uson. With the financial grant amounting to PHp 1,400 provided through the program, the couple was aided with the needs of their children in school. As their children grow so the needs, especially for food. The couple then would resort to borrowing money from loan sharks to cope with these growing needs. But, paying their debts had been hard and their state did not seem to change.

Another, poverty alleviation program came to the Arsolon’s couple. It is the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran, a scheme of the department under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are the priority recipients of the program. They were able to borrow Php 10,000.

The couple’s daily routine is to get up as early as four o’clock in the morning, boarding a rented tricycle they go to Dimasalang and Cawayan, Masbate to buy fresh fish. Then Diana would sell it in the public market of Del Carmen while Danny delivers same product to their “suki” who really wait for him to pass by their homes.

Prior to the receipt of the capital assistance, Diana with the rest of the SEA-K Association members were trained on Basic Business Management. They were also given tips in handling their business and finances. The project has also given them the capacity to acquire a motorcycle of their own. Now the couple need not anymore rent a tricycle, they have their own service vehicle which helps them find ease in their mobility. If before the couple was able to reach four to five barangays, now they were able to go farther.

In less than a year after receiving the grant, Diana was able to pay in full the capital assistance provided to them. Looking for food is not anymore a problem. The couple is also assured of the education of the children and the provision of the health needs of the family.

From the couple’s monthly savings, they are now able to start constructing their new house. Diana is now able to manage her time. She has time for her children, guide them in their studies, attend meetings and do the domestic chores at home. What is noteworthy is that from a timid housewife, Diana is an active Parent Leader and an officer of the SEA-K association.

Diana shared that the Pantawid Pamilya, through the Family Development Session has brought changes in their lives. “Hindi na nagsusugal at umiinom ang asawa ko. Nakatutok na siya sa paghahanap buhay” (My husband does not anymore gamble and drink. His concentration now is to earn a living) Diana quipped.

“Pantawid Pamilya and SEA-K has opened the opportunity for us to be more than what we were before.” ###eejerusalem