“In everything you do, make God your partner.” These words have become a guiding principle for Ms. Mejean Q. Bacatcat, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary from Purok Kurigsaw, Poblacion, Maragusan, Davao de Oro. Her journey from a housekeeper struggling with financial difficulties to a Social Welfare Assistant (SWA) at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a testament to her perseverance and the transformative power of support and opportunity.

Before becoming a 4Ps beneficiary, Mejean faced a seemingly impossible set of challenges. While in college, she had to halt her studies after getting married and giving birth to her first child. Life became a constant struggle—basic necessities like food and medicine for her child were often out of reach, forcing her to borrow money just to get by. Her husband worked in a banana plantation, earning a meager daily wage, barely enough to sustain their growing household, especially since they also supported his two siblings.

However, when her family became part of the 4Ps program, their situation began to improve. “When I became a 4Ps beneficiary, it felt like a relief,” Mejean shares. “We could finally buy our child rice in bulk, groceries, vitamins, and medicine. I was even able to pay for my child’s school fees in advance. The regular cash grants, along with the unconditional cash transfer and Cash for Work programs, were significant blessings to us during those tough times.”

The program didn’t just offer financial relief—it ignited a renewed sense of hope in Mejean. Through the Community Family Development Sessions (CFDS), she gained valuable insights and encouragement to pursue her dreams. “Every session was a learning opportunity,” she recalls. “I realized I had to go back to school. The facilitators inspired me to make a move, to not just stay at home and wait for time to pass. I wanted to work, but without a degree, no one would hire me.”

Driven by this newfound motivation, Mejean decided to return to school. Though tuition wasn’t free at the time, she learned through CFDS that scholarships were available for 4Ps beneficiaries. Despite the challenges of starting late, she secured a full scholarship from a private institution, particularly for Indigenous Peoples (IP), which allowed her to continue her education and eventually graduate.

Mejean’s story didn’t stop there. After completing her studies, she applied for a position at DSWD and was hired as an Administrative Assistant. The job brought her immense joy, as she was finally able to support her family’s needs. Although she was initially assigned to a region far from home, she later applied for a position closer to her family and was reassigned to Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

“For some, my job might seem insignificant,” Mejean reflects, “but for me, it’s a blessing—a chance to improve not just financially, but in every aspect of life. The 4Ps program has helped me transition from survival to subsistence, and now to self-sufficiency.”

Today, Mejean is an inspiration to many. Her journey shows that with determination, faith, and the right support, any challenge can be overcome. “I hope to inspire other families to trust in their potential, persist in pursuing their dreams, and actively seek out growth opportunities,” she says. “By sharing my experiences, I want to encourage others to view challenges as opportunities, to seek support when needed, and to believe in their ability to rise above their circumstances.”

Indeed, Mejean Bacatcat’s story is a shining example of transformation—proof that through persistence, hope, and community support, anyone can turn trials into triumphs and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

#BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD