MANILA, (PIA) — In his third State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. celebrated the remarkable success of the administration’s social protection programs, which have not only provided vital assistance to Filipinos in times of need, but also empowered them to achieve self-sufficiency. “Bukod sa paglikha ng trabaho, pinalalakas din natin ang kakayahan ng ating mga mamamayan, lalo na sa panahon ng kanilang kagipitan,” President Marcos said, highlighting the adaptive and responsive nature of these initiatives.
(Apart from job creation, we also strengthen the capacity of our citizens, especially in times of crisis.)
One such program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), has proven to be a transformative force in breaking the cycle of poverty across the country.
Since the last State of the Nation Address, over 420,000 families have successfully graduated from the program, indicating that the assistance provided has enabled them to improve their circumstances and equip themselves with the necessary skills to thrive.
“Ibig sabihin, sa tulong ng 4Ps, mas gumanda na ang kanilang kalagayan at kakayahang makipagsapalaran sa laban ng buhay,” the President remarked, drawing a thunderous applause from the audience.
(That means, with the help of the 4Ps, their condition and ability to take risks in the battle of life has improved.)
The program’s impact extends beyond mere financial assistance, as evidenced by the remarkable achievements of its graduates. More than 4,000 former 4Ps beneficiaries are now licensed teachers, while an additional 35 have earned the distinction of being topnotchers in various board examinations conducted over the past two years.
“Sa katunayan, mahigit apat na libong graduate ng 4Ps ay nasa hanay na ngayon ng mga lisensyadong guro,” the President proudly announced, further cementing the program’s success in empowering Filipinos and fostering their pursuit of higher education and professional aspirations.
(In fact, more than four thousand graduates of the 4Ps are now in the ranks of licensed teachers.)
In Metro Manila, over 25,000 households enrolled in 4Ps under the Marcos administration successfully exited the program in the first quarter of 2024 by achieving self-sufficiency status, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Among these success stories is the Almenzo family from Mandaluyong City, who benefited from the program and chose to exit after 12 years as beneficiaries. Their remarkable journey encapsulates the difficulties overcome and the triumph of determination.
“Noong hindi pa kami kabilang ng 4Ps, naranasan namin ‘yong utang dito utang doon tapos minsan hindi makapasok yung mga bata kasi walang baon,” recalled Cherry Almenzo, the family matriarch. “Kaya ‘yun manghihiram muna sa kapitbahay basta makapasok lang ang aking anak.”
(Before we joined the 4Ps, we faced constant debt and sometimes our children couldn’t even go to school because they didn’t have an allowance. The 4Ps program was our hope during that desperate time.)
The financial support from 4Ps allowed the Almenzos to carefully manage their finances, allocating a portion of the payouts to savings while using the family’s other earnings to gradually pay off debts. This laid the foundation for Cherry to start her own business – today, the Almenzos own four successful eateries in Mandaluyong.
“Tuwing may 4Ps payout kami, ito po yung pinambibili ko ng mga pagkain namin at unti unti naman namin nababayaran ang aming utang mula sa sahod ng aking asawa. Tumagal ay nakakaipon na rin ako kahit papaano dahil nagtatabi ako ng 500 pesos kada payout namin,” Cherry shared.
(Whenever we received the 4Ps payout, I used it to buy food and slowly pay off our debts from my husband’s wages. I was also able to save a bit, setting aside 500 pesos from each payout.)
The Almenzo family’s determination not only transformed their own lives but also inspired them to pay it forward. Cherry now prioritizes hiring fellow 4Ps beneficiaries at her eateries, providing them with stable employment and salaries.
“Sa ngayon binibigyan ko po ng priority, lalo na po yung mga lumalapit sa akin na 4Ps beneficiaries na nangangailangan ng trabaho kasi ramdam ko po yung walang trabaho na mga nanay at may mga anak,” Cherry said.
(I empathize with the unemployed mothers, so I make sure to give priority to 4Ps beneficiaries who need jobs.)
The Almenzo family’s exit from the 4Ps program represents more than just financial independence – it is a testament to overcoming adversity and holding onto the hope of a better future.
“Kahit may ibinibigay satin ang gobyerno kung hindi po natin pinapahalagahan at hindi po natin sila tutulungan, hindi po tayo makaka-ahon sa hirap,” she added. “Kahit ilang years sila doon at hindi vila tutulungan sarili nila, eh wala po talagang mararating.”
(Even if the government provides us assistance, if we don’t appreciate it and help ourselves, we won’t be able to overcome hardship. I urge other beneficiaries not to lose hope and to continue believing in themselves and the program.)
Households determined to be self-sufficient or who volunteer to leave the 4Ps program are formally referred to their local government units, ensuring continued support and progress tracking after exiting the program. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
