STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 recognized the local government unit (LGU) of Asingan in Pangasinan as a Model LGU Implementing Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for its outstanding effort in program delivery.
Asingan, a second-class municipality that effectively implemented the 4Ps program to address the needs of marginalized families, received the prestigious provincial-level winner award at the 4Ps Partnership Summit 2024 on October 16 at Leisure Coast Resort in Dagupan City.
Themed “Nagkakaisang Adhikain Tungo sa Ikauunlad ng Sambahayang 4Ps,” DSWD Field Office 1 Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan emphasized that the responsibility of helping the disadvantaged and the poor does not rest solely on the DSWD.
She stressed the importance of working together and supporting one another to provide services, maintain order, and implement policies that promote the welfare, safety, and development of communities and the nation as a whole.
“Who is the weakest link? Where is the weakest link in our community? This is where mayors or leaders should focus when identifying 4Ps beneficiaries,” she stated.
In line with this, Gopalan noted Asingan Mayor Carlos Lopez Jr.’s commitment to addressing the gaps by actively engaging with local families and assessing their needs to ensure that assistance effectively reaches those who require it most.
Gopalan added that the DSWD did not promise to make the beneficiaries rich.
Rather, the goal is to give them a chance for a better future through various support initiatives, such as cash assistance and the Sustainable Livelihood Program, with the help of national government agencies (NGAs) like Landbank, LGUs, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as civil society organizations.
Mayor Lopez proudly shared with other 4Ps partners and stakeholders at the event their secret to successfully implementing the program, which aims to uplift the lives of marginalized families in his area.
“The best solution and formula we have is that there is no politics in our town of Asingan. All political leaders are supportive of one another,” he said, noting that unity allows them to focus on what truly matters, which is the welfare and development of their constituents.
He ensures that the assistance, whether cash or livelihood opportunities, reaches those who need it most.
The success of the 4Ps program in Asingan town is proof that teamwork and compassion can lead to meaningful change.
To date, Pangasinan has a total of 147,723 active household beneficiaries enrolled in the 4Ps program.
Gopalan encouraged other municipalities to adopt a mindset similar to that of Mayor Lopez, emphasizing that the government’s goal is not to increase the number of 4Ps beneficiaries but to provide every Filipino with the opportunity to meet their basic needs through livelihood options, such as manicures and pedicures.
Likewise, the DSWD Field Office 1 presented awards to various LGUs, NGAs, and NGO partners and deserving 4Ps beneficiaries in Pangasinan as proof of their achievements and contributions.
Also, attendees pledged their commitment during the summit by inserting heart-shaped wooden pieces with their names and signatures into the Puso Natin acrylic frame. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
