ODIONGAN, ROMBLON — A total of 200 families in Odiongan, Romblon have been recognized as self-suffient by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), thus, out from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
The said families officially graduated from the DSWD’s 4Ps on Friday, March 14. Their graduation implies that they are now capable of supporting their daily needs without relying on the program’s financial assistance.
DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay, who attended the ceremony, challenged the graduates to strive for a better quality of life.
“Ang challenge sa atin, hindi na kayo babalik sa dati ninyong buhay, hindi na kayo babalik sa kahirapan, sa dinanas na pagsubok sa nakaraan. Kaya dapat makakaya na nating makatayo sa sarili nating paa,” Punay said.
Although they have officially exited from the 4Ps, Punay assured the graduates that they will continue to receive support from the government through various assistance and livelihood programs to help sustain their progress.
During the ceremony, one of the beneficiaries, Maricel Fabito, who was a 4Ps member for 13 years, expressed gratitude for the program’s impact on her family’s life.
“Grateful po ako. Napakahirap ng buhay dati pero sa tulong ng 4Ps, nakaraos kami at napagtapos namin ang dalawa naming anak. Ngayon ay licensed professional teachers na sila, at ang isa naman ay graduating na,” she told PIA Romblon.
Meanwhile, various government agencies and the local government of Odiongan also pledged continued support for the graduates, offering livelihood assistance and other resources to ensure their sustained progress.
This batch of 200 families is just the first among more than 600 families in Odiongan set to graduate from the 4Ps program this year. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
