Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista commended the 200 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries from Leyte who have graduated from the program during a simple graduation rites on June 4 at the Tanauan Civic Center.
In his keynote speech during the 2021 Regional Pugay Tagumpay of the 4Ps in Region VIII, the Secretary recognized the families for their hard work and dedication to lift their conditions despite the challenges that they faced, including the effects of the current pandemic. As graduates of 4Ps, the families have already achieved a self-sufficient status or are able to provide for their daily needs.
“Sa tuwing maririnig nila ang programang 4Ps, una nilang maiisip ang mga benepisyaryong nagsusumikap, may pangarap; mga pamilyang kaisa ang pamahalaan na maiangat ang antas ng kanilang pamumuhay, taliwas sa mga negatibong balita tungkol sa programa. Kayo ang magiging mukha ng isang matagumpay na programa,” Secretary Bautista said.
“Magsilbi kayong inspirasyon sa inyong mga komunidad at kapwa benepisyaryo. Sapagkat kayo ay nakatawid na sa kahirapan. Maging katuwang nawa kayo ng ating programa at ng pamahalaan sa paggabay sa iba pang miyembro ng Pantawid Pamilya. Patuloy ninyong palawigin ang inyong kaalaman at manatili sa inyong kaisipan ang lahat ng inyong natutunan sa programa lalo na mula sa Family Development Session. Hangad namin ang inyong patuloy na pag-unlad at hindi na muling bumalik sa kahirapan,” the Secretary added.
The Secretary was joined by local government officials of Leyte led by Governor Dominico Petilla, Tanauan Mayor Pelagio Tecson, Jr, and Palo Mayor Frances Ann Petilla; DSWD Field Office VIII Director Grace Subong and staff; 4Ps National Program Manager, Director Gemma Gabuya and staff; and representatives of partner-agencies in the region.
Meanwhile, one of the graduating families, the Ibanez family thanked the program and urged their fellow beneficiaries to judiciously use the cash assistance that they receive from the program.
“Ang ating pong ayudang natatanggap na pampinansyal sa programang ito, sana po gamitin natin sa tama. Alam po natin na ang ating mga anak, sila ang simula, sila po ang susi para po makatawid sa ating kahirapan. Sa DSWD, sa lahat ng bumubuo ng 4Ps o Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, sa aming pong municipal link, salamat po sa inyo sa inyong pang-unawa at sa gabay na ibinigay ninyo sa amin,” Mr. Ibanez said.
In 2020, a total of 585,125 household-beneficiaries nationwide have already exited from the program.
Led by the DSWD, 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and a human capital investment program of the Philippine government. The program invests in health, nutrition, and education of poor eligible households. These, alongside with the psychosocial and psycho-educational component, provided through the FDS, led the beneficiaries to an improved and sustained well-being. There are currently more than 4 million active members of the 4Ps from around the country. ###
