What began as government support to keep children in school has turned into a national triumph, as several former Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s (4Ps) monitored children emerged as topnotchers in the November 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

Across regions and examination levels, these young educators credited the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for helping them overcome financial hardship, stay in school, and pursue their dreams.

Among the top performers is Nicole Angela S. Soro, a graduate of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology–Sumacab Campus, who ranked Top 2 in the Elementary Level LET.

Hailing from Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, Nicole shared that her passion for teaching began as a simple play as a child.

“Noong bata pa ako, mahilig na talaga akong maglaro ng titser-titseran. Habang ako’y lumalaki, ang simpleng larong iyon ay naging malinaw na direksyon ng aking buhay. Hindi ko pinili ang edukasyon dahil madali ito, kundi dahil dito ko naramdaman na may saysay ang aking ginagawa,” Nicole shared through the DSWD’s Field Office 3 – Central Luzon.

Also from Central Luzon, Deborah R. Notorio of San Luis, Aurora, who placed Top 10 in the Elementary Level, recalled how the program helped sustain her education during her formative years.

“I can say that being chosen as a beneficiary made a huge difference in our family—it became a constant support in my studies. In spite of not having a stable job, with the help of this program, my parents were able to provide me with necessities such as vitamins and medicines for my health, school supplies for my schooling, and other financial support. This program played a huge role for me to continue and finish my studies until high school,” Deborah said.

The pride of Central Visayas

Central Visayas also produced several LET topnotchers who shared how 4Ps shaped their academic and personal journeys.

Marjoe Mejias of Mandaue City, a graduate of Cebu Normal University–Main Campus and placed Top 4 in the Elementary Level, expressed his desire to give back and serve future generations by teaching.

“My journey as a proud beneficiary constantly inspires my pursuit of excellence. I view my education as a way to give back. By equipping myself with the values of an educator, someday, I hope to help children who face the same difficulties I once did,” Marjoe said.

Meanwhile, from Medellin, Cebu, Jake A. Pradilla, who ranked Top 9 in the Secondary Level, highlighted how the program helped his family survive and dream beyond daily hardship.

“I will always be grateful to 4Ps and to the people behind this program. It has not only helped my family survive but has also allowed us to dream of something greater. Through 4Ps, I am one step closer to making my dreams come true. I will carry this gratitude with me as I continue to encourage people around me,” Jake noted.

Also from Cebu, Clara Mae M. Tangpos of Dalaguete, who placed Top 9 in the Secondary Level, pointed out the importance of persistence and making the most of opportunities.

“To fellow 4Ps families and monitored children, the assistance you receive is an opportunity. What you make of it matters. With perseverance and commitment to your goals, this support can grow into a future you once only dreamed of. I am deeply grateful for the foundation the program provided during the most critical years of my education,” Clara Mae said.

Her fellow Dalaguete native, Clyde Zeph F. Payusan, who ranked Top 9 in the Elementary Level, also credited the program for helping him rise above economic hardship.

“This success is a shared victory. It is the result of my parents’ unending sacrifices, the guidance and assistance of 4Ps, and the belief that with perseverance and the right support, even the most difficult circumstances can lead to remarkable achievements,” Clyde said.

From Buenavista, Bohol, Niño A. Sanchez, who ranked Top 10 in the Secondary Level, shared how the program transformed both his life and his family’s future.

“Coming from a humble family, with a carpenter father and a housewife mother, pursuing higher education has never been easy. However, the continuous support of the 4Ps gave me hope, strength, and the opportunity to continue my studies despite those circumstances. I will always be thankful and proud to be a beneficiary of 4Ps,” Niño said.

Completing Region 7’s roster of topnotchers is Leendon Gelborion of Argao, Cebu, who also placed Top 10 in the Secondary Level. He also shared his gratitude to the 4Ps program as well as to other individuals and personalities from Argao who helped him in his LET journey.

Topnotchers from Ilocos Sur and Palawan

Aside from LET topnotchers from Central Luzon and Central Visayas, two other former 4Ps monitored children from Region I (Ilocos Region) and Region 4-B (MIMAROPA) also shared their experiences turning government assistance to a national achievement.

From San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, Chariz Ann R. Lucero, who ranked Top 7 in the Secondary Level, reflected on the deeper meaning of being a 4Ps beneficiary.

“Bilang isang 4Ps beneficiary, mas lalo kong nauunawaan na mas higit kami sa aming pinansyal na pinagdadaanan,” Chariz Ann said.

Gylene Ayu C. Aguilar of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, a graduate of South Philippines Adventist College, placed Top 9 in the Secondary Level with a 93.20 percent rating, adding to the growing number of 4Ps-linked academic achievers nationwide.

4Ps as key to get out of poverty

In a message congratulating the LET topnotchers on December 26 (Friday), Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, noted that their success reflects the long-term impact of the 4Ps program.

“Ang mga kwento ng ating mga LET topnotchers ay patunay na kapag ang isang bata ay nabigyan ng sapat na suporta sa tamang panahon, nagbubunga ito ng pangmatagalang tagumpay. Sa DSWD, naniniwala kami na ang edukasyon ang isa sa pinakamabisang paraan para tuluyang makaahon sa kahirapan,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

The DSWD spokesperson said the Department remains committed to strengthening programs that invest in children’s potential.

“Ang 4Ps ay hindi lamang tulong-pinansyal. Isa itong pamumuhunan sa pangarap, kakayahan, at kinabukasan ng kabataang Pilipino,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

From classrooms once made possible by government support to the top ranks of the LET, these former 4Ps monitored children now stand ready to give back.

They are proof that with the right assistance, perseverance, and belief, success is possible. (CC)