In the farming town of Delfin Albano in Isabela, stories of resilience are part of everyday life. Families work hard, share what they have, and support one another in quiet yet meaningful ways. For many Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps beneficiaries, the dream of financial stability often feels far from reach. This was true for Lilian M. Bacani, a mother and former part time landscaping designer who balanced odd jobs with caring for her children.

She remembers the challenges clearly. “May mga gusto sana kaming bilhin para sa mga bata, pero madalas hindi kaya ng budget,” Lilian shared. Even so, she held on to the belief that better days would come. That hope took root when the Enhanced Support Services Intervention or ESSI of 4Ps was introduced in their community.

A Store Built on Trust and Cooperation

Fifty 4Ps beneficiaries came together to form the Delfin Albano Rice Center Association. Through ESSI, they received seed capital worth One Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand pesos (P1,250,000) in rice stocks, which became the foundation of their livelihood.

Their goal was simple. Families needed rice every day, and having a reliable and affordable source would help stretch household budgets. Eventually, the rice center became more than a place to buy daily necessities. It became a symbol of confidence and unity among members who realized that they could run a business together.

With mentoring from their Municipal Links, and with training from DSWD and DOLE, members learned bookkeeping, documentation, and proper inventory management. Lilian, who took the role of Sales Secretary, applied these lessons with dedication.

Transparency became their guiding rule. “Sinabi sa amin na maging tapat at maging bukas sa lahat ng dokumento. Kaya lahat ng records pwedeng makita ng mga miyembro,” Lilian said. This openness strengthened the association and built trust among members.

Growing Beyond Rice

After only one month of operations, the store began earning steadily. By April 30, 2024, it had generated One Hundred Four Thousand Nine Hundred Forty Eight pesos (P104,948), allowing each member to receive two thousand pesos in profit sharing. For many families, this was their first time receiving income from a business they helped build.

As customers requested more items, the association agreed to add groceries to the store. What once started as a simple rice trading venture has now grown into a small general merchandise shop serving multiple households.

 

During their first Christmas as an association, each member received one kilo of spaghetti as a token of unity and gratitude. This simple gesture reflected the strong bond built within the group.

Today, the association is registered with DOLE and continues to expand its operations.

A Future Shaped by Collective Effort

For Lilian and the rest of the members, the livelihood provided by ESSI did not only help increase their income. It gave them renewed purpose and confidence. What once was a dream of having a small store has grown into a stable business supporting fifty families.

“Dati pangarap lang namin ang magkaroon ng maliit na tindahan. Ngayon may negosyo na kaming lahat, at sabay sabay kaming umaangat,” Lilian said with pride.

They hope their journey inspires other 4Ps beneficiaries to work together, embrace transparency, and believe in their own capabilities.

Lilian leaves a message for families who continue to work hard for a better life. She encourages others to stay committed, responsible, and hopeful. Above all, she reminds everyone to keep their faith.

“Tulong tulong tayo para sabay sabay umangat,” she said.

 

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