Sheena beams with joy at her graduation from Bicol University, Daraga Campus, where she graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Social Work. 

“Even though we barely had enough, thanks to 4Ps, we were able to make both ends meet.”

These are the humble words of Sheena Mae Magdato Obispo, a 23-year-old from the remote barangay of Panoypoy in Camalig, Albay, who made history in September 2024 by securing the Top 1 spot in the Licensure Examination for Social Workers. As a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who was registered last 2011 under Set 5A, Sheena’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and the power of education.

Born to a hardworking family, Sheena’s father, Eddie, worked as a construction worker and painter, while her mother, Teresita, stayed at home to care for their three children. Growing up in a community where resources to meet basic needs were scarce, Sheena’s parents made countless sacrifices to provide her with the best education possible.

With the assistance of 4Ps, they were able to meet the family’s basic needs and support Sheena’s education. “I grew up knowing the value of hard work and the importance of education. My parents sacrificed a lot to make sure I stayed in school,” Sheena shared.

Sheena’s educational path was fraught with obstacles, but she refused to be discouraged. She completed her elementary education at Floresta Elementary School in Jovellar, Albay, before moving on to Cotmon National High School in Camalig. For senior high school, she stayed with her aunt in Anislag, Daraga. During these formative years, her passion for learning and social awareness blossomed.

In college, Sheena pursued a degree in Social Work at Bicol University, Daraga Campus. “I always knew I was destined for social work,” she said. “I wanted to help communities like mine and saw how essential social workers are in uplifting families.”

The pandemic struck just as Sheena was entering her first year of college. With classes shifting online, the struggles multiplied. Living in a mountainous area with poor internet connectivity, she faced not only academic pressure but also technological limitations. “There were times when I couldn’t attend online classes because we had no signal. It felt like I was missing out, and I had severe anxiety about falling behind,” she recalled. But Sheena refused to give up.

“My family set up a small fish ball stall and sold vegetables just to keep me online. I knew I had to make it work, not just for myself but for them too.”

As part of her degree requirements, Sheena completed her field instruction with the DSWD Field Office V – KALAHI-CIDSS, where she was assigned to Brgy. Ilaur Sur, Oas, Albay from February – May, 2024. “Working in communities, opened my eyes and deepened my understanding of its importance. It solidified my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, inspiring me to dedicate my career to uplifting those in need.”

Her perseverance paid off. After graduating, Sheena focused on the Licensure Examination for Social Workers. When the results were released in September 2024, she was overwhelmed to see her name at the top of the list. “I couldn’t believe it. All the sleepless nights, the struggles, and my family’s sacrifices—it was all worth it.” Sheena credits her success to her support system — her parents, siblings, teachers, and the community that believed in her.

“I would not have made it this far without the love and support of my family and the opportunities provided by 4Ps.”

Now a licensed social worker, Sheena is determined to give back. She sees her achievement not just as a personal victory but as a victory for her entire community. “I owe it to the people who helped me along the way. I want to use my skills to uplift others, especially those from marginalized communities like mine.”

Sheena is already planning to work with local organizations and government programs like 4Ps to help empower more families to break the cycle of poverty. “Social work is about more than just providing services; it’s about giving people hope and the tools to change their lives.”

Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of support systems like 4Ps. “To anyone who feels like giving up, remember that you’re not alone. You don’t have to carry the weight of the world by yourself. There are people and programs that will help you. You just have to keep pushing forward.”

As she looks to the future, Sheena Mae Obispo stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for her fellow 4Ps beneficiaries and for all young Filipinos aspiring to rise above their circumstances. “I want to prove that with hard work, faith, and a little help, anything is possible.”

Sheena’s story from a small barangay in Camalig to the top of the board exam is proof that dreams, no matter how difficult, can be achieved with grit, gratitude, and an unshakeable belief in oneself.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), implemented by the DSWD as its lead agency, was launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 by Republic Act No. 11310, also known as the 4Ps Act. This national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program provides conditional cash transfers to poor households and holistic multi-stakeholder interventions to improve well-being through case management for a maximum period of seven years.