A former monitored child of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) received the biggest surprise of her life when she was hired on the spot by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the “Kamustahan” with 4Ps beneficiaries in Zamboanga City on 28 November.

Teffany Guevara, a former 4Ps exemplary child from Tictapu, could not contain her joy after being offered a job. Her journey is described as one shaped by hardship, grit, and unbroken hope. Raised by a tricycle driver father and a mother who sold kakanin, Teffany recalled a modest childhood where love was abundant, but resources were scarce.

“Life is so hard ‘no. I was used to waking up to our modest life… My parents used to argue sino muna ang mauuna sa amin to be in school, or whose dreams are to hold muna kasi hindi nila kaya to send us all on the same academic year,” she shared, recalling how she had to give way for her older sister to attend school first.

The turning point came when their family became a beneficiary of the 4Ps program, which provided support for their education, nutrition, and health. For Teffany, the program was “not just assistance” but the scaffolding that kept their dreams standing.

Now a graduate of Secondary Education major in Filipino, Teffany proudly said, “My ate already earned her license and I’m making my way to earn it.”

Teffany’s calling to social service was sparked when she accompanied a social worker to Family Development Sessions (FDS) and youth development activities. “Na-awaken yung kamalayan ko on what is really happening on the ground… I know in myself na parang I can make a difference,” she said.

Being hired by DSWD was both validation and purpose. “I’m feeling parang talaga on cloud 9. It granted stability to my anxious heart… We are now stepping into a stone na pwede na tayong may pay forward, pay back sa ating parents,” she said.

Teffany vowed to approach her work with dedication, especially toward children who face the same hardships she once endured. “I promise to do my work better, to be a light of course, to take a leap together, be a beacon of life doon sa mga monitored child din,” she said.

Her message to youth facing pressure from poverty was unwavering: “Motivation is to always do not lose hope because hope does not disappoint. Continue chasing your dreams with resilience, with courage.”

Teffany’s journey reflects not only rising above poverty but finding purpose through service — a child once asked to wait for her turn, now standing ready to help others find theirs.