CEBU CITY, Philippines – Around 115,729 households benefiting from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), are set to graduate from the initiative in the Central Visayas region.
Based on a press statement released by DSWD-7 on Thursday, there are 79,205 4Ps households located in Cebu, which encompasses areas within highly urbanized cities, whereas 36,524 families reside in Bohol.
The graduation events for the recipients, known as the Saulog 4Ps Ceremonial Graduation, continue at different times across multiple local government units (LGUs).
Various local government units have already held their graduation ceremonies. In Cebu, this includes events in Consolacion and Liloan on March 14, Lapu-Lapu City on March 17, Asturias on March 19, and Danao City on March 25.
At the same time, in Bohol, the events took place in Talibon on March 18 and in Dauis on March 19.
The graduates who meet this criterion have been recognized as reaching self-reliance according to the most recent Social Welfare Development Indicators provided by the DSWD.
The SWDI aims to evaluate and track the improvement in the quality of life of 4Ps household members and to assist with case management for a lasting escape from poverty.
Based on the DSWD criteria, for individuals to be deemed self-reliant upon exiting the program, they must generate sufficient earnings to cover their expenses, satisfy their day-to-day requirements, and attain at minimum the initial two stages of the SWDI framework—the Survival stage (Stage 1) and the Subsistence phase (Stage 2).
“I extend my congratulations to every single one of you for achieving what you set out to accomplish when you first joined the program. You have devoted countless hours, put in significant effort, and made great sacrifices to meet all the requirements of this program, and today, you stand at the threshold of graduation,” stated DSWD-7 Director Shalaine Marie Lucero during the event held in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lucero likewise motivated the graduates to persist, put in considerable effort, and utilize the knowledge gained from the organization’s bi-monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS) as they endeavor to realize their aspirations.
Bernita Tubio from Dauis, Bohol, one of the graduates, gave her testimonial, highlighting her pride in having three of her offspring complete their college education, including two who are currently employed as seamen.
Starting from January of this year, Tubio has taken up the role of a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) within her neighborhood.
“Tulo na ang among mga bata nga nagtatan-aw ngadto sa pagtapos sa balayosa. Dako ang among pasasalamat alang sa gobyerno ug hiniusab sa programa 4Ps, nga nagtabango kanako aron mabalhin ang among mga gamhanan sa balayosa,” wangsang tubigon ni Tubio. (Now I have three of my children looking forward to finishing their education. Greatly thankful am I to the government and particularly through the 4Ps program, which has supported me in sending my offspring to school.)
Lucero likewise recognized the cooperative work among several national government agencies, local government units, and civic groups in delivering varied assistance programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for families enrolled in the 4Ps initiative.
Introduced in 2008 and officially established in 2019 via Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps initiative offers financial assistance to recognized low-income families. This includes educational support for kids to complete primary and secondary schooling, healthcare benefits, as well as aid for purchasing rice.