115K families graduate from 4Ps program

Local

A NEW chapter has begun for more than 115,000 families in Central Visayas as they officially exit the government’s flagship poverty reduction initiative, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Central Visayas (DSWD-7), a total of 115,729 household beneficiaries have been cleared to graduate from the program.

Of this number, 79,205 are from Cebu, including its highly urbanized cities, while 36,524 are from the province of Bohol.

Graduation ceremonies, dubbed “Saulog 4Ps Ceremonial Graduation,” are currently ongoing across various local government units (LGUs).

Several have already completed their celebrations, including Consolacion and Liloan on March 14, Lapu-Lapu City on March 17, Asturias on March 19, and Danao City on March 25.

In Bohol, similar events took place in Talibon on March 18 and Dauis on March 19.

These households were identified as self-sufficient based on the Social Welfare Development Indicator (SWDI), a tool used by the DSWD to measure the level of well-being and capability of families to sustain themselves.

To qualify, families must have surpassed both the survival and subsistence levels and shown the ability to independently meet their basic needs.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero praised the beneficiaries for their commitment throughout the program.

She noted their willingness to comply with program requirements and their determination to improve their living conditions.

Lucero also encouraged them to use the lessons learned during monthly Family Development Sessions to guide them in achieving long-term stability.

One of the program graduates, Bernita Tubio from Dauis, Bohol, shared her experience.

She said that three of her children had already completed college, with two now employed as seafarers. Tubio, who now works as a Barangay Health Worker, continues to support her four other children who are still studying.

She credited the 4Ps program for helping her send her children to school and pursue a better life for her family.

Lucero also emphasized the importance of the collaboration between national government agencies, LGUs, and civil society organizations in delivering the support needed for families to rise out of poverty.

The 4Ps program was launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11310. It provides conditional cash grants to low-income households, offering assistance for education, health, and nutrition with the goal of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty.(MyTVCebu)