“Sobrang saya ko po noong nalaman ko na pumasa ako. Gustung- gusto ko pong makatapos ng pag-aaral kahit may pamilya na ako. Alam kong hindi iyon ang magiging balakid sa pagtupad ko sa aking mga pangarap sa buhay. Ang pamilya ko ang inspirasyon ko sa aking pag aaral. Dahil sa kanila, nagsisikap ako na makatapos,” a joyful and determined mother of three children said.

Maria Crispina dela Fuente, 27 years old, is a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Her family hails at Barangay Anao, Cabagan, Isabela. His husband, Henry, 30 years old, works as a tricycle driver. They were blessed with three children: Marian, at Grade 4; Rhea, Kinder and Henry Jr., who is enrolled in a daycare center.

Nanay Crispina got married when she was just 14 years old. She was in 2nd year high school that time. Because she was faced with the huge responsibility of being a wife, Nanay Crispina was not able to continue her studies. She instead devoted her time in being a loving better half to Mang Henry, and most especially, as a caring mother when their three angels came to life.

She may not have finished any degree, but Nanay Crispina nurtures her children with knowledge and values that they should know, and that they should possess.

Her efforts paid off. Both Marian and Rhea became honor students last school year. Presently, the two excel good in their classes and continue to reap grades of flying colors.

According to Nanay Crispina, the kids are very enthusiastic in their studies because she always put emphasis on the importance of education.

 “Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na napakaimportante ng may natapos. Ayaw kong maranasan ng mga anak ko ang nangyari sakin. Ngunit kung may pagkakataon lang talaga, gusto kong bumalik sa pagiging isang estudyante,” Nanay Crispina shared.

 She wants to continue her studies. Nanay Crispina wants to have a diploma which she can be proud of.

 And her prayer was answered. Thanks to the Alternative Learning System (ALS).

 When she heard about the ALS program of Department of Education, Nanay Crispina wasted no time. It was October 2010 when she enrolled in the program. And her life as a student started to unfold, again.

After a year, she finished her modular classes and took another exam in October 2011. When the result came out last April 2012, Nanay Crispina was in cloud nine because she passed the exam.

“Nung naipasa ko yung exam, alam kong ito na ang simula ng katuparan ng aking mga pangarap,” she said. “Dahil dito mas magpupursigi ako para makuha ko rin ang inaasam kong diploma,” Nanay Crispina added.

Nanay Crispina cannot be more thankful. She said that Pantawid Pamilya does not only help their family in terms of health and education, but also improve their perspectives and behavior.

 “Dahil sa Pantawid Pamilya, nahikayat ako na muling ipagpatuloy ang aking pag-aaral. Napakalaki ng pagbabagong idinulot nito sakin, hindi lang yung tulong pinansyal, kundi lalo na sa pagpapaunlad ng aking tiwala sa sarili at mga paniniwala sa buhay.Biruin mo, 27 years old na ako pero hindi pa pala huli ang lahat para sakin,” Nanay Crispina expressed.

Presently, she is a 2nd year college student at Isabela State University, Cabagan Campus. She is taking up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology.

Two years from now, Nanay Crispina will soon harvest her fruits of labor. But greater than the diploma that she will receive, is the recognition for her being a dedicated wife and a doting mother.

Plus, she will be one of the many living proofs that for somebody who has a dream, it will never be too late for that person to achieve it. ### By JASTIN ANN BUNDALIAN, Municipal Link/ Cabagan, Isabela (MBA, FO2 SMU)