TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — In preparation for the upcoming school year and in line with its goal to increase enrollment among children beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Cagayan Valley has intensified the implementation of various initiatives under the Bata Balik Eskwela (BBE) campaign in Cagayan Valley.
Regional Director Lucia Alan said the campaign aims to encourage out-of-school youth to return to formal education or pursue learning through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), while also supporting in-school youth to stay enrolled.
Recently, project RISE (Radiating Inspiration, Strengthening Education) was officially launched in the province of Cagayan, beginning in the municipality of Baggao. The program was spearheaded by the Cagayan Provincial Operations Office and the Municipal Action Team of Baggao, in coordination with the Local Government Unit.
During the first and second leg of the initiative, a total of 36 in-school and out-of-school youth 4Ps beneficiaries participated. Highlights included inspiring testimonies from beneficiaries and the distribution of school supplies donated by Michael Angelo Manpower Exponent Inc. and Pacific Star International Employment Agency Corporation, serving as an added source of inspiration and support for young people determined to return to school despite life’s challenges.
Leonard Roldan, a Grade 8 student and former BBE participant, emphasized the importance of education and encouraged his fellow youth to study hard and pursue their dreams.
Furthermore, Project RISE is expected to continue in the coming weeks with scheduled activities in various areas across Cagayan province.
Meanwhile, the Project GOALS (Great Opportunities in Attaining Life Skills) was successfully conducted in Nueva Vizcaya. The two-day training was attended by forty (40) out-of-school youth beneficiaries of the 4Ps aged 12–15, who were experiencing difficulties that led to their disengagement from school.
“Through this project, participants received life skills training, confidence-building exercises, and motivation to re-enter formal education,” Alan said.
Alan also said several Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) are planning to conduct similar activities during the school break to reach more 4Ps beneficiaries.
Further, Project GABAY (Guidance and Breaking Barriers for Youth) for Quirino and Project STAR (Start Towards Academic Reintegration) for Isabela are set to kick off on May 20, 2025.
According to the director, each province implements distinct activities under the BBE campaign, with the primary objective of ensuring the success of 4Ps beneficiaries.
“The agency remains committed to allocating resources to support beneficiaries in completing their education while also addressing their basic needs,” she said.
She also said the participants will be monitored closely to ensure the continuity of their education and will be referred to appropriate services and support programs that can help them stay in or return to school. (MFJ/PIA Region 2 with reports from DSWD)
