KORONADAL CITY (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12 has ramped up its voter education campaign for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Soccsksargen, ensuring that they are well-informed for electoral participation in the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections.
DSWD Regional Program Coordinator for 4Ps Naifah Balindong emphasized the department’s commitment to equipping beneficiaries with knowledge of their voting rights and responsibilities.
As part of the advocacy, DSWD launched Ako ay #Botanteng4Ps on 4Ps TV via Facebook, with SMS blasts and voter education seminars integrated into their Family Development Sessions (FDS).
Social welfare officer Yasmin Mantawil outlined key steps being undertaken by DSWD to encourage beneficiaries to exercise their right to vote.
These include their participation in organized campaigns, attend meeting de avances and wear or use materials featuring political candidates. However, limitations are also in place during the campaign and election period.
4Ps beneficiaries must not use the program for personal campaigning, nor, during official meetings such as FDS and 4Ps Parent-Leaders meetings, use it to pressure, threaten, or guilt fellow beneficiaries into supporting a certain candidate by linking it to their program membership.
They are also prohibited from wearing or using any program materials to endorse candidates during DSWD or 4Ps activities, or even on election day itself.
She also clarified election guidelines, stating that 4Ps beneficiaries are eligible to run for public office and join organized campaign groups.
“Base po sa records na nakuha po naming sa Parent-Leaders Profile, may mga parent-leaders na po tayo na naging barangay kagawad at barangay officials,” she shared.
(Based on the records we obtained from the Parent-Leaders Profile, we already have parent-leaders who became barangay councilors and barangay officials.)
DSWD reiterated that 4Ps is a non-partisan government program and strictly prohibits its use for political gain—whether in FDS, Parent-Leaders meetings, or on election day itself.
Moreover, DSWD champions the 3M Approach—Magbantay, Makialam, and Makilahok which encourages vigilance, awareness, and active participation in the electoral process.
It said that through this advocacy, 4Ps beneficiaries are empowered not only to improve their living conditions but also to engage meaningfully in shaping the country’s leadership. (SZT, PIA Region 12)
