A tree that has deep roots can survive a violent storm. Much as a person with deep faith can survive any problem that comes along.

Mr. Rolly A. Mamauag or “Oli” as he is fondly called, can never forget what he went through in his first employment. When he initially reported for office, he was given certain papers to fill out which caught him barefooted. He got emotional for a moment and cried as he was frightened for being incapable of writing his name or even affix his own signature. He thought of backing out from the roll. However, he realized the consequences it will befall his family. With strong determination, he sought the help of his co-workers who in turn assisted him.

Oli is one of the seven (7) beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya who are recipients of Sustainable Livelihood Program Track 2 (Employment Facilitation) which was implemented in Barangay San Vicente, Jone, Isabela. He is 40 years old, married to Rhoda G. Mamauag who bore him 3 children ages 19, 15 and 8 years old.

With the joint project of DSWD and DPWH, Oli is now working in the “Trabahong Lansangan” project in Jones, Isabela. He is one of the workers who do road maintenance thru vegetation control and site distance clearing, cleaning and draining ditches.

Oli never got into schooling. “Mahirap ang buhay noon kaya hindi ako napag aral at nagsaka na lamang ako”, he reminisced.

Oli is thankful of his job. When he got hold of his first salary, he exclaimed, “May pangbuhay na tayo!” His wife right there and then went out and purchased cooking utensils to replace the lost ones which were succumbed by fire of unknown source. They could still recount the days when daily meal is insufficient for them and working as farm laborers when possible is the only source of living. With such dilemma, Rolly believed, “ang pag-asenso ay nasa tao.” Given the opportunity and determination to improve their living, he pursued the Trabahong Lansangan. Now, he is able to provide for his family. He learned fast and enhanced his skill.

For Oly, being engaged in the recent project is a remarkable experience. It may not be considered as a great success story for others but for him, it is one, for this experience developed and continues to develop him as a person.

Because of the Trabahong Lansangan, he was able to acknowledge his very own signature, his signature of success. By: MARICEL T. BALISI, Project Development Officer II, Sustainable Livelihood Program