“With the cash grants from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), we purchased uniforms, school supplies, and other necessary items for school. Due to my ability to participate in different extracurricular activities, I was able to graduate on top of my class. I am extremely proud to be a product of 4Ps and now a licensed teacher.”
These were the words of Jeanlyn Guinita Colipano of Carmen, Cebu, who secured Top 1 in the March 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).
A former monitored child under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) 4Ps, Jeanlyn credited her academic success to the support provided by the government’s flagship anti-poverty initiative.
Jeanlyn said the 4Ps allowed her to fully participate in school activities such as Girl Scouting, which helped hone her leadership and academic performance.
“Pursuing one’s education can be greatly affected by poverty, yet it should not decide our future. I am grateful for the 4Ps because it allowed me to participate in extracurricular activities like Girl Scouting,” Jeanlyn said.
Jeneva Payot of Inopacan, Leyte, another former 4Ps monitored child, ranked 6th in the same licensure examination.
The now-licensed teacher said 4Ps and the scholarship from her university have helped her and her family, serving as their lifeline.
“While our income was modest, the scholarship I received every semester—combined with the assistance from 4Ps—was a lifeline for me and my family,” Jeanylyn said.
Meanwhile, Nischelle Saguico of Bataraza, Palawan, who also ranked 6th in the same LET, extended her gratitude to the DSWD, describing the program as more than just financial aid but as hope.
“Nais ko pong ipaabot ang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa pamunuan ng DSWD. Ang inyong programa ay hindi lamang tulong pinansyal kundi pag-asa at tulay tungo sa mga pangarap ng mga batang katulad ko,” Nischelle said.
A magna cum laude graduate of Palawan State University with a degree in Secondary Education major in Science, Nischelle said the 4Ps allowed her to pursue her goals with dignity.
Hailing from Catarman, Camiguin, Jorean Jumalon Silmaro—who ranked Top 7—also shared how 4Ps transformed his and his family’s lives.
“I truly consider 4Ps as one of the most defining blessings in my life—definitely part of my ‘top 7 fate. It didn’t just help financially; it opened doors that once seemed out of reach,” Jorean said.
Jorean attributed his success to the 4Ps, which provided him an opportunity to finish his studies without feeling like a burden to his parents.
“It allowed me to study with the tools I needed and without feeling like a burden to my parents. That support gave me the focus and motivation to excel,” Jorean said.
Other topnotchers from the 4Ps roster include: Venus Diane Reces Guerrero (Top 5) of Pikit, Cotabato; Kimverlie Yusores Momo (Top 6) of Alabel, Sarangani; and Andrew Lyn De Vera of Binmaley, Pangasinan (Top 10).
The seven LET passers are the latest addition to the list of former 4Ps monitored children who have topped various board examinations.
Launched in 2008 and institutionalized by Republic Act (RA) 11310 in 2019, the 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 their children’s health, nutrition, and education.
The program puts premium in the health and education of the children as a means to achieve development and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. (YADP)