IN a world often marked by hardship, Marilyn M. Martirez’s story of perseverance and transformation stands as a beacon of hope.
A mother of five, Martirez has overcome poverty and become a community leader, also achieving her lifelong dream of finishing her education.
Martirez and her family faced constant struggles.
“When we started our small family, we faced numerous challenges,” she recalled. “Without a steady income, limited opportunities, and no place of our own, life was tough. Yet, we lived happily, with dreams of a better future.”
Her husband, a farmer and laborer, was the primary provider. They vowed to give their children the opportunities they lacked. The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in 2008 proved transformative.
“Through 4Ps, we were able to put our children in school without worrying about expenses,” Martirez said.
The program helped the family build a home. However, tragedy struck in 2014 when her husband died of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
Martirez, now a single mother, persevered with government and community support.
Her eldest child, Khenny, earned an education degree and now works in Taguig. Claude, her second child, completed a vocational course through TESDA and works in Japan. Mouline, her third child, also a TESDA graduate, works as a welder in Makati. Her two youngest children are still in school.
Despite her loss, Martirez expanded her community involvement, becoming a Pantawid Pamilya Parent Leader in 2008. She also volunteered as a Barangay Nutrition Scholar, addressing malnutrition.
In 2013, she was elected Barangay Kagawad, continuing her community service. “Despite my personal tragedy, I found motivation in helping others,” she said. “Serving my community became a way to channel my pain into something positive.”
She led health campaigns, community safety projects, and organized a Mangyan community association, teaching bamboo crafting for livelihood.
Balancing motherhood and community work was challenging. “As a single mother, I dedicated my time to improving both as a mother and as a community worker,” she said.
Through Family Development Sessions, she learned self-care and personal growth.
In 2024, at 49, Martirez graduated with an education degree from Grace Mission College, fulfilling her dream through a government scholarship.
“Now, we can see the brighter future ahead of us,” she said. “While I may not be materially wealthy, I consider myself rich in experiences, knowledge and most importantly, positive relationships. Success, to me, means enriching life with significant purpose.”
Martirez’s story highlights resilience and the impact of government support. “If there’s one thing I want to emphasize to my fellow beneficiaries, it’s the importance of valuing the government assistance we receive,” she said.
Her journey inspires others to overcome adversity.| – Ace Sapit, pia
