Some 2,000 beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have officially graduated from the program through a “Pugay Tagumpay” ceremonial exit held at the Aman Royale, Bagong Barrio in Pandi, Bulacan on Monday (June 24).

“Ang bawat pamilyang nakatapos ay nagtagumpay dahil sa kanilang matatayog na pangarap, masugid na pagtataya, makabuluhang pagbabago, at walang-humpay na pagtataguyod – ang modernong kahulugan ng 4Ps na nagbigay sa kanila ng bagong pag-asa at kinabukasan,” 4Ps National Program Manager Director Gemma Gabuya said in her message during the ceremony.

(Every household graduate succeeded
because of their lofty dreams, passion, positive change, and determination — the new meaning of 4Ps that gave them new hope and brighter future.)

Households who were assessed as Level 3 or self-sufficient are recommended for graduation from the program. They are endorsed by the DSWD to their respective local government units (LGUs) either for further interventions to sustain their level of well-being or for aftercare monitoring.

Senator Imee Marcos, who was the ceremony’s guest of honor, said in her message that the graduation ceremony and the 4Ps graduates are evidence that her belief in adequately funding DSWD programs, especially 4Ps, is correct.

“Maliit lang ang binigay ng pamahalaan, ngunit ito ang naging batayan ng inyong pag-asenso. Kayo mismo ang gumawa ng paraan at solusyon sa inyong pag-ahon,” Senator Marcos said.

(Despite the small amount from the government, this became the foundation of your progress. You, yourselves created the ways and solutions to uplift yourselves.)

The Pugay Tagumpay ceremony was also attended by Bulacan Vice-Governor Alex Castro, Congressman Ambrocio Cruz, Pandi Mayor Enrico Roque, DSWD Field Office 3 (Central Luzon) Assistant Regional Director Armont Pecina.

Launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11310, 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households, for a maximum period of seven years, to improve the health, nutrition, and education aspects of their children. #