4Ps child among pharmacy board exam topnotchers

MANILA, Philippines — Dreams once felt out of reach for Kyla Camille Ortal of Barangay Baay, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. With little money for daily needs, even staying in school was a challenge.

But early on, she held on to one thing – determination.

Kyla grew up as a monitored child under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The program helped support her education and health, though she knew she had to work hard to chart her future.

Her efforts paid off when she ranked second with a 94.35 percent rating in the Pharmacist Licensure Examination, the results of which came out in April 2026.

Life was never easy for Kyla. There were times when her family barely had enough, forcing them to prioritize basic needs.

Still, instead of giving up, Kyla was focused on her dream. Her goal was rock solid – to help her family rise from poverty.

“To dream was not enough. You also have to fight for it,” she said.

Setbacks faced her along her way. She admitted she once hoped to become a scholar under the Department of Science and Technology but luck was not with her. Instead of quitting, she applied for other scholarships and kept going.

Her persistence led her to Mariano Marcos State University, where she enrolled in Pharmacy. College life was also tough, with long nights of studying and moments of doubt.

After graduating, she focused on the licensure exam, studying hard and staying disciplined.

Kyla acknowledged the 4Ps program played a big role in helping her family survive. Today, she and her two siblings are all professionals. Her story shows that with hard work, persistence and support, it is possible to rise above poverty and succeed.

Meanwhile, another success story came out from the government’s 4Ps after a beneficiary, Rico Elao from Alegria, Cebu ranked first in the 2026 Civil Engineering Board Exam.

Opposition Rep. Leila de Lima of party-list Mamamayang Liberal extended her congratulations to Elao via her Facebook account.

“The success story of Rico is one concrete proof of the undeniable assistance the 4Ps have on families who really need this help the most, which gave them hope and capability in pursuing their dreams for their future,” she said.

“Congratulations again Rico! Your success, along with the success of many more in 4Ps, is also a success of the entire country. We’re hoping that you all serve as an inspiration for others to persevere as well in trying to reach their dreams, and the attitude to help others too,” she said.

De Lima, a former senator and justice secretary, was among the principal authors of the 4Ps Law that was expanded from its original intent.

Her House Bill 1434 also plans to include more families from below the poverty line to help them improve their lot in life. — Delon Porcalla