To someone who is accustomed to a life in the shadows, the unknown may seem particularly terrifying. Though Ismael Policarpio recognizes the impermanence of life, he maintains a positive outlook and is ready to take advantage of all that the future has for him. The optimist in him would always urge him to stop dwelling in the past and start making the most of the present since there is this one special program that touches his heart in such a special way. From the loneliest day of his life, this program appeared like a ray of sunshine. For Lolo, every cloud has a silver lining, so he remains hopeful in life.
Just like any other blacksmith or “nagpapanday”, Lolo Carpio has to face his fair share of difficulties in life, but the “pagpapanday” he endures helps him become more skilled and more capable of handling whatever comes his way.
At a young age, Lolo Carpio was deprived of good eyesight; this prevented him from furthering his education. In addition to having problems with his vision, Lolo wasn’t born with silver spoons. For this reason, he then decided to confine himself to assisting his father in managing their meager source of income, which is the “pagpapanday.”
After his parents died and his siblings got married, Lolo was left to fend for himself. Since Lolo Ismael had nowhere to go, his sister constructed a makeshift dwelling for him in the backyard.
Despite his physical limitations, Lolo Carpio has earned a stellar reputation as a helpful and trustworthy person. Indeed, his life is not defined by his disability. Very soon, he came to understand that his impairment need not be an obstacle to his pursuit of bigger goals in life, and that he could still find meaning in his existence.
Time has taken a toll on his health to the point where he is unable to work anymore, and he is now left without a way to meet his most rudimentary needs. With that being said, his sister decided to ask for a government assistance in any way possible. They immediately went to the nearest municipal office and they applied without any delay to the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 2 through its Social Pension Program.
His expectations had been exceeded by the DSWD, so he felt very happy about that. His eligibility for the program was determined after an in-person interview, a home visitation, and an evaluation.
And now, he has been receiving benefits for over two years. In fact, regardless of his dire circumstances, he can still clearly recall the first day he received assistance from the DSWD FO2.
As the DSWD FO2 staff handed over the stipend, these are the words that come out of his mouth:
“Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang araw na unang beses kong natanggap ang pera mula sa Social Pension Program, nagbalik ang ala-ala ko noong ako ay kumikita pa sa pagpapanday. Magkatulad ang aking sayang nararamdaman noong ako ay nakakakuha ng pera sa pagpapanday sa ngayon na ako ay pensioner na. Maraming salamat DSWD.”
According to him, the moment he received his financial assistance was one of the best blessings that has ever happened to him. With the meager sum allotted for his upkeep, he was able to purchase essentials like food and medicine.
Every day matters as he continues to work, celebrate, and grieve his way through life. Since Lolo was four years old, he has been blind; however, he has made sure that his life is still worthwhile.
The Social Pension Program of the DSWD granted him eligibility due to his financial distress. Undeniably, in bringing the gap between the poor and the marginalized individuals, the department has its way to reach these people who are in need.
Despite not having the best and comfortable place, Lolo Carpio, a 69-year-old man from Roxas, Isabela, found his softest and safest haven in Social Pension Program. It is the greatest thing that DSWD FO2 can offer him – to be his peace and support. After receiving his resentments from the unfair world, battling his chaotic mind, indecisive sadness, and countless times questioning his worth – he has the Social Pension Program to help him get through each day. Finally, he is now out of the shadow of the past.