THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI rejoiced with great pride as the latest Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers announced its board exam passers list on May 24, 2024.
Of the 95,303 passers in both elementary and secondary education, 13,945 were identified as beneficiaries under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Among these passers, Khane Jevie Rose Solante Cervantes, LPT, from Cateel, Davao Oriental, secured 1st place in the LET Elementary Level Results with a score of 92.40%.
Khane’s remarkable achievement stands out, highlighting the significant impact of government support programs.
“It was an advantage for me as a 4Ps beneficiary because I became a CHED UniFAST scholar. Because of this, my education was funded until I graduated from college. I graduated last year as Magna Cum Laude from Davao Oriental State University- Cateel Extension Campus. And now, I have achieved the top spot in the May 2024 LET results as Top 1 in Elementary Education,” shared Ms. Cervantes.
Khane is the ninth of ten siblings. They live in Purok Madre De Cacao, Brgy. Poblacion, Cateel, Davao Oriental, and belong to the Mandaya tribe. Her father earns a living by farming a rice field, which they do not own, leaving her father, Joventino Cervantes, with little savings. Khane recalls, especially during her childhood, how her father would count the remaining sacks of rice they would have for the next year. They also fell into debt due to the large number of siblings.
“As a big family, there are lots of pros and cons. It’s true, we are happy together because there are many of us, so it’s not boring. And the housework is easier because we share it among ourselves. But it’s very hard when it comes to the financial aspect. Dad tries to make do with what he can since he only manages the rice field. Mom, Rogelia, takes care of various animals, like a few pigs and anything else she can to earn money in the village. It was a struggle. I felt ashamed to ask them for anything because I could see how hard things were for us. That’s why I was often late in submitting projects and other schoolwork,” explained Ms. Cervantes.
However, all these hardships gradually changed in 2014 when the Cervantes family became 4Ps household beneficiaries. This was two years after they faced the devastation caused by Typhoon Pablo in 2012, which destroyed their home and crops. With the help of the government and DSWD XI, Khane was included as a 4Ps monitored child. After finishing high school, she became a CHED-UniFAST TES scholar and pursued her chosen course.
“The scholarship prioritized those listed in Listahanan and Pantawid Pamilya, especially those of us from low-income households. Tertiary education at the State University was also free, which was a huge help from the government in changing our lives, especially for me in achieving my dreams. Through TES, I received P40,000 each year. This also helped my family,” expressed Ms. Cervantes.
Khane’s mother was also empowered by the 4Ps program through Family Development Sessions and became part of the Sustainable Livelihood Program Association for their group of 4Ps grantees. Although some of her children have graduated and started their own families, the program continues to support her because her husband is ill, and there are still young children in their household who are studying.
Khane continues to rise, as she will have more opportunities due to her achievements.
“My message to all 4Ps youth or any young people studying, especially those from poor families, is that I know how it feels. Sometimes it seems impossible. Sometimes you think you deserve better and wonder why you’re among those who suffer. Now, I can attest that everything will work out. Don’t lose hope. It’s hard right now, and sometimes you feel stuck. But I assure you, just like me, ALL DREAMS DO COME TRUE. Work on it. Manifest it, pray for it, and work hard for it. Pair your dreams with action. Strive, manifest, and add hard work—you WILL get there,” said Ms. Cervantes.
Khane is one of the 802 LET passers from the 4Ps beneficiaries of the DSWD Davao Region. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of the DSWD Pantawid Pamilya program on the lives of its household beneficiaries. It underscores the importance of the program in supporting families and contributing to their success, particularly in the field of education.
Khane’s journey, from facing the hardships of a low-income household to excelling in her academic pursuits, serves as an inspiration to many. Her success not only brings pride to her family and community but also showcases the potential within every child given the right opportunities and support.
