Two hundred fifty households in Kapangan, Benguet graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) after reaching the level where they are considered self-sufficient.
The households reached level 3 or self-sufficient well-being wherein they can now support the basic needs of their children, such as education and health.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Sec. Erwin Tulfo, in a message read by DSWD-Cordillera Director Leo Quintilla, said the ceremonial exit proves the success not only of the program but also of the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who have worked hard and crossed over poverty.
“You are a testament that 4Ps is effective as a country’s flagship poverty reduction strategy and that it has played a major contribution to cutting the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Amid the challenges that we face due to the pandemic, crisis and calamities, our Pantawid families were still able to cross over the poverty threshold,” Tulfo said.
Tulfo also extended his gratitude to all of their partners in the implementation of the program.
He expressed his hopes the 4Ps graduates will become partners of the agency and the government in helping other Filipinos who are hoping to improve their quality of life.
“It is my fervent hope that you continue to persevere as what the program has taught you for the past couple of years so you could serve as a role model of a Filipino who knows the importance of investing in education, health, and nutrition in pursuit of a brighter future,” he said.
Kapangan Mayor Manny Fermin said the 4Ps has helped the community especially those who are in need giving emphasis to the impact that the program has left for the beneficiaries.
“The program is very effective. It helps us, poor beneficiaries, in the education of our children, and to us, parents, it helps us a lot. It educates us through our family development sessions topics which we can also share to our neighbors, friends, family and to everybody,” said Winsda Esteban, a 4Ps graduate from Barangay Cuba.
Olga Bautista of Barangay Poblacion, on the other hand, said the program has been a great help in her family.
She expressed hopes for the continuous implementation of the 4Ps to help other families who are in need.
“Bilang isang benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, ramdam ko ang kaginhawaan na dulot nito (bukod) sa grant na aming tinatanggap, ang buwanang pag-attend namin ng Family Development Session na nagbibigay-aral din sa amin na mga magulang,” she said.
Juliet Manuel of Barangay Gadang also asked her co-graduates to keep on applying the things they have learned from their FDS.
The DSWD assured they will continue support those who graduated from the 4Ps through other programs of the agency such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Kalahi-CIDSS program, and Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation, among other programs.
Also present during the graduation ceremony are Jiralyn Siddayao from the Office of Rep. Eric Yap, Mario Baucas from the provincial government of Benguet, and Melba Marcos Moltio from the Provincial SWDO. – Debbie E. Gasingan
April 23, 2024
