4PS Success Stories Series (#6) | Bota at Metapora

 4Ps Success Stories Series (#6) | Bota at Metapora 

Success is a slippery thing -- constantly shifting, impossible to confine to any one definition. It runs like rain, free-forming, not conforming to a singular mold. This particular success story isn’t loud. There are no highfalutin Latin honors, no flashy trophies or swollen bank accounts to flaunt. It’s the kind of success that hides in plain sight, too often unseen, unheard, or worse, ignored. But you’ll never truly grasp it unless you venture into the unremarkable corners of Brgy. Tambac, Bayambang, Pangasinan, where real achievement thrives quietly, far from the spotlight.

Remedios Mejia Macaraeg, a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program under Set 5-A, is a selfless mother to seven children, and loving wife to Roberto Macaraeg. Remedios (66), Roberto (60), Wilson (25) and Arjay (15) reside in their small home at Purok 5 of Brgy. Tambac, while five of her children, Rodel, Rommy, Rachelle, Edgardo and Roderick have moved out of their household to start a life and family of their own.

On a rainy day, with my shoes caked in mud due to typhoon 'Gener,' I met Remedios and Roberto as they prepared lunch. “Ano po ang ulam?” I asked, greeting them with a smile. Roberto answered, “Bala lang, Sir; balatong (mung beans),” he said with a laugh. 

As we spoke, Remedios shared her story -- how her life has been far from easy. She worked as a laundress for years to help feed her children, while Roberto drove a tricycle to make ends meet. After a mild stroke in March 2024 left Roberto’s left arm paralyzed, things have been tougher. Remedios recounted her struggles to stretch every peso, “Naglalabandera lang ako, pag walang baon ang mga bata, nagkakape lang sila tsaka kanin.” She explained that when they joined the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino  Program, things began to change: “Medyo nakakabili na rin kami ng ulam -- 'yun po ang naging tulong ng 4Ps sa amin, lalo na sa pag-aaral nila. Dati, nag-aambagan kami sa tuwing may exam yung mga bata.”

Curious, I asked her about her children, and her face lit up with pride. She started sharing their stories. “Si Rodel po, security guard na sa Maynila”, she said. “Si Rommy, bumukod na rin, may sarili nang pamilya.” She paused for a second. “Si Rachelle, teacher na sa public school -- pangarap niya talaga ‘yon.” Then she moved on to her other sons. “Si Roderick, nakatapos ng Criminology. Hindi siya nakapasa sa unang exam, pero desidido talaga siya. Hindi sumusuko.” With a hopeful smile, she added, “Sir, si Wilson graduate na ng Bachelor of Arts in English Language. Tapos, Youth Pastor na rin siya sa Christ Blessed International Church dito sa Bayambang. Naaalala ko noon, sumali siya sa poetry writing contest na ‘25 Letter to Parents’ ng Reiyukai Philippines. Nakarating siya sa grand finals kaya sinamahan ko siya sa PICC. Representative siya ng PSU Bayambang Campus. Nakaka-proud talaga. At itong 2024, nakapasa rin siya sa National Police Commission Exam, kaya papunta na siya sa pangarap niya na makapasok sa serbisyo."

She spoke with such pride, every detail reflecting the hard work and determination she and her family put in.

As I looked at my left side, I glimpsed upon a peculiar child, clapping his hands, smiling, as if he was so happy to see me. Remedios said that he is her son Arjay, who is a child with special needs. According to Remedios, he has difficulty hearing, he has speech impediment, and is exhibiting late cognitive development. Nonetheless, she proudly said, “Nag-aaral po siya ngayon ng SPED sa Bayambang Central School.” 

At that moment, I was struck by the weight of her journey -- a woman who had not only raised a family but supported a husband weakened by stroke, all while providing extra care for a child with special needs. I couldn’t help but ask, “Paano mo nagawa yun, Ma’am?” Her response was simple, yet profound: “Dasal lang, Sir.” It wasn’t just her own effort that sustained her -- it was the belief that something greater guided her through. 

She also spoke with equal gratitude for the 4Ps program, saying, “Nagpapasalamat po ako sa 4Ps dahil malaki ang naitulong nito sa amin -- napagtapos ko po ang aking mga anak. Malaking pasasalamat po talaga.” Her family’s success was clearly hard-earned, for it was fought for with every ounce of faith and steely resolve.

As the interview wrapped up, the rain intensified, turning puddles into small floods. Tatay Roberto, without hesitation, pulled off his worn bota (rain boots) and handed them to me. “Isuot niyo, sir, para hindi kayo mabasa,” he said. It is then that I experienced one of the greatest metaphors in my life. I realized that being a DSWD Municipal Link isn’t just about recognizing these hidden victories; it’s about stepping into them, walking their path, and realizing that real success isn’t always seen. It takes a unique courage to walk alongside them, to feel their journey beneath your feet. Success isn’t always about accolades or recognition; sometimes, it’s about the quiet strength of those who persevere against the odds. Here, in the silent corners of Brgy. Tambac, we find that the most compelling stories of success are often the ones that remain unsung, yet echo loudly in the hearts of those who dare to listen. (by: Martin Rey S. Gonzales Jr., Project Development Officer II/Municipal Link | Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program)