4Ps transforms gambler into responsible dad

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 28 (PNA) -– Nelson Gaña used to be a gambler, but after several years of being a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary, he and his family are now role models in the community.

The Gaña family from Cat-iwing village, Hinundayan, Southern Leyte and was named the 2016 Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya of Eastern Visayas.

“Believe me, I was a changed man after attending several Family Development Sessions (FDS). I used to be a gambling freak. My wife and my children left me when they transferred to Davao City. After almost a year, I pursued them and went back to Cat-iwing village together,” Gaña recalled.

“But then gambling has not left me, I am hooked on the vice. I remained a gambler when we were back in our hometown. That vice rocked our marriage again,” Gaña said.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Resty Macuto, the Gaña family will compete with other outstanding families all over the country.

“We hope our regional and provincial winners will serve as advocates in the many good programs of the government,” Macuto told PNA.

The family has been recipient of the poverty alleviation program since 2011 as Set 5 beneficiaries. Gaña and his wife didn’t expect that the program could transform their lives and mark a new journey for them.

It took two years before Nelson discovered he had many shortcomings as a husband when in 2013, all husbands of 4Ps members were required to attend the FDS.

The topic Family and Family Relationship had touched him and since then, he has accompanied his wife in attending the regular FDS session.

Even if Gaña is only a Grade I finisher, he was elected as head of Parents-Teachers and Community Association (PTCA) at Cat-iwing Elementary School. He never let his low educational background become a hindrance in being active and an instrument for a better community.

He is a member of a local council tasked to promote peace in the community. At the same time, he became a volunteer who helps in protecting marine life in the village.

He availed of the skills training on Massage Therapy Course provided by the local government unit in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development.

His earning as a therapist is a big help in his family. Sometimes, he gave free relieving massage to his neighbors who need one.

His wife Roselyn, is a homemaker and took care of their six children. The children are commended by their teachers as being neat and clean when in school.

"Even if we are poor, we give priority to the education of the children. We also made sure they go to school with food in their tummy and are neat and clean," she said.

Their eldest daughter, Maria Jesse graduated salutatorian in elementary and is pursuing secondary school. All the younger siblings are doing well in school as well as receiving recognitions.

“I learned a lot from FDS sessions. Now our family is happier and blessings keep pouring in,” Maria Jesse said.

Their children share household chores and help in tending to their growing hogs and vegetable garden. Aside from vegetables, they also grow papayas, bananas and pineapples in their backyard.

To the Gaña family, the 4Ps program is a big help to their family. They learn financial management with the little income they have.

They advise their fellow 4Ps members to help the government by not abusing this program but in making sure this works in their family and the community.

From being a gambler to a role model in the community is a long journey but a rewarding one for Nelson.

The criteria for the selection of the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya includes following all the conditionalities as members. The children should have 85 percent attendance in school, regular participation in FDS, family involvement in community services and are an inspiration to other members of the community. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/VCA/EGR