MARIA, Siquijor (PIA) -- Some 97 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households from Maria, Siquijor recently celebrated their graduation from 4Ps during a ceremonial graduation dubbed "Saulog" held by the municipality here. 

According to 4Ps provincial link Jeric Taranza, the total households involved 202 children under monitoring with one attendee in day care, 37 enrolled in elementary school, 67 in junior high school, and 88 in senior high school. 

The 4Ps families graduate from the program after their well-being has moved to a sufficient level, or they no longer have children less than 18 years old. 

The total funds disbursed for the 97 households amounted to P18,091,800, of which P2,568,600 was allocated for education, P10,584,000 for health, and P4,939,200 for rice subsidy. 

Beneficiaries to achievers

Some of the grantees have achieved significant milestones that allowed them to attain self-sufficiency. 

There were six individuals who successfully passed the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) examination.

The families have also produced professionals such as teachers, policemen, call center agents, local and national government employees, among others. 

Dr. Edilberto Nickarter P. Pal-ing, committee chairperson for social service at the municipal council, explained that he has witnessed the transformative impact of the 4Ps on the lives of Marianhon residents.

"We have to be thankful, although naa tay mga  regrets nga mawala na sa 4Ps kay natabangan namo. Ibutang sa inyong kasing-kasing nga kamo karon, graduate na, naa namo sa higher level. Hunahunaa ang mga tawo nga mas naglisod kay ninyo nga maoy mosunod sa inyong slot. Give a chance to others," Pal-ing said. 

(Even though we might have regrets about losing our 4Ps benefits, we must be grateful because it helped us. Keep in your hearts that you are now graduates at a higher level. Think about the people who are struggling more than you, who are next in line for your slot. Give others a chance.) 

This was echoed by Sharie Ann M. Suminguit of the municipal social welfare and development office, who told beneficiaries that graduating from the program shows that the family is now capable of standing on their own.

"Dili nato i take negatively nga wala nata sa pantawid. Let's take it positively nga wala na ta because nakit-an sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) nga kaya nato mo stand independently sa atoang family," Suminguit said. 

(Let's not take it negatively that we're not part of the Pantawid program anymore. Let's take it positively, because the DSWD sees that you can now stand independently as a family.) 

One of the 4Ps graduates, Lucy B. Daohog, of Brgy. Saguing, Maria said the program has enabled her family to survive through financial difficulties and provide education for their children.

"Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa Ginoo nga naa kini nga programa tungod kay nakatabang kini ug dako sa among kalisod sa among panginabuhi.  Nakapaeskuyla ko sa akong mga anak isip kaabag sa among galastuhan sa eskuylahan," Daohog said.

(I am very grateful to God for this program because it has greatly helped us in our times of difficulties. I was able to send my children to school despite our financial challenges.) (CAG/PIA7 Siquijor)