CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- Fifty one beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from the municipality of Mansalay graduated from the program.
The "Pugay Tagumpay" graduation rites symbolized not just the end of their journey within the program but the beginning of a new chapter where these families can sustainably stand on their own.
The 4Ps is a conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine government aimed at alleviating poverty and promoting health, nutrition, and education among poor households. Beneficiaries are required to comply with certain conditions, such as ensuring children attend school and receive vaccinations, to receive financial aid.
This event celebrated the achievement of reaching level 3 well-being, indicating their capability to support themselves without the program's assistance.
Local officials of Mansalay together with DSWD Mimaropa representatives led the "Pugay Tagumpay" graduation rites of the 51 4Ps household beneficiaries. (Photo courtesy of DSWD Mimaropa)
The graduates included families that have successfully navigated through the program's challenges, improving their living conditions, and met the necessary criteria to graduate. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of households whose members do not consist of children aged 0-18 years, highlighting the program's broad reach and impact across different family compositions.
The ceremony was graced by local officials from Mansalay, spearheaded by Vice Mayor Shernan Fajutnao Gamol; DSWD representatives, headed by Provincial Link Maridel T. Rodriguez along with Provincial Operation Officers Social Worker Officer III Rama S. Villacastin, Joshua Barraquel and Noviel Abela.
DSWD representative SWO III Villacastin underscored the importance of the 4Ps in providing a stepping stone for families towards self-reliance and improved quality of life. She also encouraged the graduates to continue the practices and values learned during their time in the program, such as the importance of education, health, and responsible parenting.
Meanwhile, a total of 222 households from three (3) cluster groups from the municipality of Roxas graduated also from the same program on March 20 at the Little Tanauan Covered Court, San Aquilino Covered Court, and Paclasan Covered Court. The graduation rite was made possible through the graduation on wheels of the department. (JJGS/PIA Oriental Mindoro)
