The Arnaiz couple with their children. Contributed
Blessed with 13 children, Gilda and Arnel Arnaiz of Barangay Canhabagat, Medellin town in northern Cebu described the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as an open door bringing their family closer to a better future.
“Mapasalamaton mi sa Ginoo nga gigamit niya ang Pantawid Pamilya isip instrumento nga nagtabang sa mga nanginahanglan (We are thankful to God that He used Pantawid Pamilya as an instrument to help the needy),” said Gilda, 44.
Arnel, for his part, said the program has helped him and his wife become responsible parents especially that they have 13 children.
“Ang Pantawid Pamilya usa ka talagsaong proyekto sa gobyerno nga nagtabang sa mga kabus nga pamilya dili lang sa pinansyal apil nasad niini ang paghatag ug giya unsaon pag-atiman ang pamilya (Pantawid Pamilya is a unique program of the government that helps the poor families not only by giving them financial assistance but also by providing them guidance on how to raise a family),” said Arnel, 48.
The couple claimed that the program has helped them send their children to school, access health services and improve their relationship as husband and wife.
Pantawid Pamilya is the conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine government that invests in the education and health of poor children aged 0-18. It also features a monthly meeting dubbed as Family Development Session where grantees learn about financial literacy, disaster preparedness, responsible parenting and family planning, among others.
Three of the Arnaiz children Jhearwien, Glenn Mar and Marianne Mie are beneficiaries of the program.
Aljon and Ardel are starting their own family. Holy Rose, Lovely Grace and Arnel Jr. are in college. Alfe Jay, Gilbert and Princess Rose are elementary students. Carl Steve is three year old and the youngest Lucky Prince is nine month old.
Lovely Grace describes her father as a farmer, a fisherman, a chief barangay auxiliary officer, a tricycle driver, a rescuer, a service provider and a good father.
She added that her mother’s unconditional love for them and the sacrifices she made were just few of the exceptional qualities her mother Gilda possessed.
The family won this year’s Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya Cebu Provincial Search.