Former ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition’ housemate Shuvee Etrata opened up about her humble beginnings, revealing that she grew up as a beneficiary of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) — a social welfare initiative providing conditional cash grants to low-income families.
In a recent vlog interview with broadcast journalist Karen Davila, Shuvee candidly shared how the 4Ps program became a lifeline for her family when both of her parents were unemployed.
“Isa ako sa mga pinapakain ng gobyerno. 4Ps,” she said. “As in talagang isa ako sa mga binabayaran ng gobyerno. Kasi nga, walang trabaho ‘yong parents ko. Tapos marami na po kaming magkakapatid.”
The 4Ps, institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11310, aims to help poor households meet basic needs related to health, nutrition, and education.
Shuvee recalled how her family would immediately go grocery shopping once the allowance arrived — small moments that meant a lot to them growing up.
“Naranasan ko ‘yong pagbigayan na, bili na kami ng de lata. Mag-grocery na agad kami,” she shared.
Despite the aid, financial struggles remained constant. As the eldest of nine siblings, Shuvee said she often carried the burden of responsibility at an early age.
“Hindi makautang ‘yong parents ko, ako ang pinapapunta nila,” she said, recalling how she would be sent to borrow money on their behalf. “Bilang panganay, ramdam ko ‘yong bigat.”
Now a rising TV personality, Shuvee said those experiences taught her resilience and gratitude — values she carries as she continues to build her career in showbiz.
“Para sa akin, ‘yong pinanggalingan ko hindi nakakahiya. ‘Yon ‘yong naging daan para mas magpursige ako ngayon,” she said.
