by Gilmhar A. Lao
 JOLO, SULU- "Poverty is the worst form of violence," said Mahatma Gandhi. In fact, it is still the foremost crisis of our time especially in developing countries like ours. The most common scenario can be seen in most of the rural areas of the countryside such as the communities located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
With the national government's implementation of its Conditional Cash Transfer program commonly known as Pantawid Pamilya that provides cash grants to extremely poor households to allow them to meet certain human development goals through compliance with their co-responsibilities in health, parenting, and most especially education, it is therefore instill in the consciousness of our fellow men that education is the most effective tool to break free from the chains of poverty. Where, such efforts will help achieve a better future for the disadvantaged children who never before thought they could realize their dreams of becoming a doctor, an engineer, or a lawyer.
The Challenge...
For a far-flung community like Jolo, which residents are predominantly Tausug tribe, is known in most parts of the world because of its notoriety brought about by never-ending occurrence of violent activities (such as series of bombings and kidnappings involving both local and foreign personalities) perpetrated by some lawless armed groups.
Jolo could be a bustling town of Sulu being its capital town and is the center of commerce and trade. Of its total population, 90% are Muslims, while the remaining 10% are Christians. Jolo has eight (8) barangays to include, Asturias, Bus-Bus, Chinese Pier, San Raymundo, Tulay, Takut-Takut, Alat, and Walled City.
Being stucked with this decade old scenario, it is therefore a challenge for the Pantawid Pamilya to fully implement the program. This is through addressing such challenge as we give focus and emphasis in the childhood education and care, that it must be holistic and integrated to ensure the survival, growth and development of these young children. In fact, more attention should be paid to these children especially in difficult and emergent situations.
Keeping the faith...
Nelson Mandela once said that, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
But statistics from the Department of Education (DepEd) reveals the conditions of many poor students where only 65% of pupils reach sixth grade in the elementary level while only 61% gets a high school diploma in the secondary level.
As for the siblings, Brayanzar Tiblan, 12, and Margina Tiblan, 11, of Brgy. Alat, Jolo, whom throughout the years were consistently competitive top honor students of Cerilo Bueno Elementary School in Jolo, strongly believes that basic education should become an education for everybody regardless of social and economic background.
Brayanzar, whom Graduated First Honors with his batch last March during the SY 2010-2011, has also received major school academic awards (as shown in photo above). On the other hand, Margina who is in the 5th grade of the same school, likewise excel academically for she was the class' consistent top honor student finishing her subjects with fyling colors.
Brayanzar narrated it wasn't an easy job achieving the coveted top honors. With the economical status of their family, he said, he really finds a hard time of sustaining high marks in school. "Mahirap.... Mahirap po talaga... Hiwalay po kasi ang magulang namin, tapos nakikitira lang kami kay Lola, siya po yung tumutulong sa amin," he said.
Brayanzar claimed his parents had separated five (5) years ago, and that as a kid, he considers the incident as the most tormenting point that their family has undergone so far. He said his father works as a public jeepney driver, and his mother Nuraina, was just a plain housewife where sometimes accepts laundry service. It was their Lola who adopted the family since they does not have a descent place to live in and supports the three (3) children (the youngest also goes with the same school) with its small sari-sari store.
Due to this never ending daily scenarios, Brayanzar and Margina always dreamt of achieving their dreams. As a little kid, Brayanzar dreamt of becoming a doctor while Margina on the other hand, wants to become a Teacher.
However, Brayanzar thought one day, how could they attain the vision of fully realizing their dreams with their current economical situation? They receive no assistance during those days and his father could not even afford to support their needs in school since he went to his other family. "Nahirapan po talaga kami noong mga panahong iyon... Sabi ko kay Papa, balang araw magkakaroon rin kami ng sariling bahay kahit iniwan niya kami," he said with teary eyes.
Nearby, his mother Nuraina was just listening during the interview and we notice there were tears falling from her eyes... "Kayamanan ko talaga ang mga anak ko, mapalad ako na nagkaroon ng mga anak na tulad nila," she said. " Kaya naman kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa tulong na ibinigay ng Pantawid Pamilya. Dahil sa Cash Grant, natustusan namin ang pangangailangan sa pag-aaral ng mga bata kasama na rito ang mga gamit nila sa pag-aaral," she added. The family receives a monthly cash grant of P1,100 program package which supported the schooling of Brayanzar and Margina.
Elnora A. Elam, Cerilo Bueno School Principal, attested on how these students were attentive in school responsibilities. "I believe Leadership is innate in Brayanzar. He excels in what he anything does, same with Margina," she said.
On the other hand, Carmel Dedoro, Branyanzar's Class Adviser, revealed he was a responsible student. "Hindi yan umaabsent... Kahit may sakit, papasok... Kahit walang baon, papasok pa rin kaya hanga ako sa batang iyan... Kaya nga natuwa kami nung nasusuportahan na siya ng Pantawid Pamilya," Ma'am Carmel said.
Further, Brayanzar has expressed his deepest thanks to the national leadership most especially to President Benigno Aquino III. "Marami pong salamat kay Pangulong Noynoy sa patuloy na pagsuporta sa programang Pantawid Pamilya. Akala ko po noong una napakalayo namin para tumanggap ng tulong pero ginawa niyo po itong posible. Alay ko po sa inyo ang natanggap kong karangalan kasabay ng minimithi naming pagbabago dito sa ARMM," he said.
In fact, Brayanzar is just so lucky. Due to his academic achievement, he currently enjoys a full scholarship program at the Mindanao State University where he is enrolled as a freshman student.(GILMHAR A. LAO, Regional Information Officer, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, DSWD-ARMM | 
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