Manila Bulletin
Philippines
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From 4Ps beneficiary to doctor: Benguet native fulfills childhood dream
Philippines
National
From 4Ps beneficiary to doctor: Benguet native fulfills childhood dream
From 4Ps beneficiary to doctor: Benguet native fulfills childhood dream
Published Oct 26, 2025 01:34 pm
Dr. Mitzi Isican Waclin (DSWD FO CAR Facebook)
When Mitzi Isican Waclin first joined the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in 2012, her family only hoped she could finish school.
Thirteen years later, that same student from Brgy. Poblacion, Buguias, Benguet, has achieved what once felt impossible. She is now a licensed physician.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has lauded Waclin’s success after she passed the 2025 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), calling her journey a powerful example of how education and persistence can lift lives out of poverty.
Her family became part of the 4Ps in 2012, receiving monthly cash grants that helped her stay in school until she completed senior high.
DSWD officials said those years of support became the foundation for her pursuit of higher education and, ultimately, her medical degree.
“Dr. Mitzi is living proof of what the 4Ps stands for—giving hope and opportunity to children from disadvantaged families so they can stay in school and pursue their dreams despite financial limitations,” said DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.
Balancing books and family
Even after her family graduated from the program in 2023, Waclin continued to persevere, finishing college and later pursuing Medicine, a goal she had held on to despite financial challenges.
Waclin’s path to becoming a doctor was far from easy.
As a medical student and clinical clerk, and later a mother, she had to manage sleepless nights and endless backlogs.
“She pushed through, and now, the ‘M.D.’ that will soon be annexed to her last name is going to immortalize just how committed she really was in the career path that she pursued,” Dumlao said.
For the DSWD, Waclin’s story represents the impact of the 4Ps as a long-term investment in human potential.
“With perseverance and the right support, dreams do come true. We hope Mitzi’s story inspires other beneficiaries to keep striving—until it is finally their time to turn the tassel, stride into their sought career, and earn the title they have long dreamed of placing beside their name,” Dumlao said.