In the serene town of Sto. Domingo, Albay, a story of triumph and resilience unfolds through the life of Niño Mcjhay B. Longasa, fondly called by his friends “Sir Ninz”.

At 29 years old, Niño stands as a beacon of inspiration, transitioning from being a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) household member to a Family Development Session (FDS) Educator. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, perseverance, and community support.

His quest for education began with a vision—to break free from the shackles of poverty and carve a path toward empowerment. Graduating from Bicol University with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education Major in MAPEH in 2017 marked the start of his relentless pursuit of knowledge. Yet, his resourcefulness paved the way for his academic journey.

Niño utilized his term as an ex-SK Councilor to secure scholarships, leveraging opportunities to pursue his educational aspirations. From being a CHED Tulong Dunong Grantee to becoming an ESGP-PA Scholar, his dedication to his studies remained unwavering, fueled by the belief that education held the key to transformation.

The ESGPPA is implemented by the Commission on Higher Education together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

Right after graduation, he faced the staggering Licensure Exam for Teachers multiple times, experiencing setbacks and failures from 2017 until 2021. However, in 2022, his persistence and dedication paid off as he finally secured his teaching license.

With his license in hand, Niño embarked on a fulfilling career in education. Over the past five years, he has shaped young minds as a teacher at the Southeast-Asia Institute of Trade in Technology in Legazpi City, Albay. Additionally, for the past two years, he has taken on the role of an academic coordinator at the same institution, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to educational excellence.

Niño’s journey takes on added significance considering his humble beginnings. He is the first in his family of eight siblings to graduate from college, a monumental achievement. His parents, a labandera (laundry woman) mother, and a construction worker father, worked tirelessly to support their family, instilling in Niño the values of hard work and determination.

The Longasa family as a beneficiary of 4P’s, aimed at providing financial assistance to the most vulnerable households, came to an end in 2021. However, the impact of the program on Niño’s life and his family’s path is evident.

In 2022, Niño’s sibling, a former monitored child under the 4Ps graduated Cum Laude from San Jose Community College with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Management Major in Financial Management, making them a two-degree holder family.

As an FDS Educator, Niño plays a pivotal role in imparting knowledge and facilitating discussions on various topics during sessions. He shares his experiences and serves as living proof that intergenerational poverty can be overcome with government support, particularly through programs like 4Ps.

Niño’s dedication to his community is evident in his words: “Bilang miyembro ng isang dating 4Ps household, lagi kong sinasabi sa mga magulang tuwing Family Development Session na hindi habang buhay ay mahirap sila.”

He continues, “Hangga’t kailangan ako ng DSWD bilang partner, bukas ang aking pintuan para magbigay ng serbisyo. Kung hindi dahil sainyo, siguro hanggang ngayon, naghihirap pa din kami. Salamat din dahil malaki ang naitulong ng pagiging FDS educator ko sa aking personal growth.”

Niño Mcjhay B. Longasa’s journey from a 4Ps beneficiary to an FDS Educator encapsulates the spirit of resilience, determination, and the transformative impact of education. His story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the potential for positive change within families and communities when empowered with the right support.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0-18.