From 4Ps monitored child to an award-winning Ilonggo educator in Arizona

ESTANCIA, Iloilo – The family of Jake Lopez, an award-winning Ilonggo educator in Arizona, from Brgy. Cano-an, Estancia, Iloilo is still an active beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) since February 14, 2012. As the youngest of five siblings, Lopez was former monitored by the program throughout his educational journey.

Lopez graduated Cum Laude from the College of Education of West Visayas State University in 2018. He later pursued his teaching career in Arizona, where he began teaching in 2023.

Recently, Lopez earned the prestigious award “Westside Impact Teacher of the Year 2026” during an awarding ceremony held at Grand Canyon University on May 5, 2026. He later received two more significant recognitions awards- the “Campus Site Teacher of the Year” and “2026 District Teacher of the Year” from the Pendergast Elementary School District during a ceremony at the Pendergast Community Center in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 13, 2026.

“As a former 4Ps beneficiary and a scholar, I can say that the program helped me a lot and became one of the bridges to pursue my education and eventually become a Special Education teacher. Coming from a family that faced financial challenges, the support we received gave us hope and reminded us that education can change lives,” he said in a message sent to DSWD6 after the office reached out to contact him.

As a teacher and award recipient, Lopez sees his journey not just as a personal success but as proof that when opportunities are given to families in need, dreams can become reality.

“I hope my story inspires fellow 4Ps beneficiaries and scholars to continue believing in themselves, working hard, and never giving up on their goals,” he added.

Following the recognition, Lopez is expected to return to the Philippines this week for his visa renewal in Manila and to visit his father, Jose, a beneficiary of the Social Pension Program, in their hometown of Estancia, Iloilo.

To recall, Lopez’s mother, who earned a living by selling food outside the village elementary school, was the family’s original 4Ps grantee. Following her passing, the grantorship was transferred to his sister, Leonelyn, who had already established her own family that time. At present, Leonelyn’s only child, now in Grade IV, is the family member being monitored under the program. Now, the family attained Level II or subsistence level of well being./mgc (with reports from Municipal Link Kaye Bernadine Celo of Estancia MOO)
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