Poverty is a human experience with no singular story. Something alien to those who have never tasted it, bitter to those who have, and bittersweet to those who had. Like a disease, it erodes one's self-respect until there is none left. To the less privileged, the limited options available in their day-to-day lives can feel paralyzing, sapping every single drop of hope for a better future.

But not everyone succumbs.

Take Marjorie Ibarbia, for example. Marjorie learned the ways of the streets in Sta. Ana, Manila. With only patched rags at her disposal, she made a small amount of money as a shoe-rag vendor. Every day, she wove patchwork rags, then sold them along the streets of Manila with her husband, Edmundo, a street sweeper. However, try as they might, their combined income was not enough to fulfill their wishes of supporting their five children financially.

Marjorie's life began to improve once she joined the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program of the DSWD (4Ps). With their financial aid, her children were able to continue their education. And, in 2017, her membership to the 4Ps became a stepping stone to a turning point in her life—Marjorie became a member of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). Eventually, she became the president of the Pasigline 2 SLP Association and received a whopping 10,000 pesos.

With this decent amount of money, she boosted her business. Together with her woven patchwork rags, she started creating curtains, throw pillow cases, and even clothes. Her skills and determination reflected in the quality, and the customers grew in number.

When Ayala Malls launched a project with the aim of providing free stalls for small business owners, Marjorie was chosen as one of the lucky recipients. Now, she employs a decent number of seamstresses and seamsters, helping her create more household linens. She’s expecting their numbers to grow in the near future.

Marjorie’s story is a testament to how determination, creativity, and skills can help people get out of poverty’s quicksand. Due to her efforts, three of her children were able to graduate from college, while the other two are still studying in college. Her husband, Edmundo, has also gotten a job as an administrative assistant in Biñan City, Laguna.

Marjorie’s story also showcases the positive waves SLP created in her life. Through Marjorie, SLP’s goal has been fulfilled—helping every Filipino grow and elevate themselves from their current state of life. Marjorie is only one of the beneficiaries of the program, and only one of the many stories that can arise from it. Marjorie stated, "I express my deepest gratitude to DSWD. Because of their Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), they helped our business grow and prosper. And because of SLP, our lives have gotten better, and I am much more confident."

Her patchwork rags and determination spun the thread of fate and led to her present life, overcoming her seemingly endless struggles. May her success story be an inspiration to others and remind them that as long as they persevere, their efforts will be properly rewarded. (pia-ncr)