(Jasmin Janolino, a 4Ps beneficiary and parent leader, shares how DSWD programs empower women through training and workshops. She emphasizes that 4Ps promotes gender equality by helping women become strong leaders in their households and communities. Photo: FDBP/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has helped women take on leadership roles in their households and communities.
During the Lambo Dyes radio program on March 14, Jasmin Janolino, a 4Ps beneficiary and parent leader shared how the program fosters gender equality through training and workshops.
(The Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 graces the Lambo Dyes radio program to highlight the updates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, particularly its activities supporting gender equality and women empowerment. Photo: FDBP/PIA-10)
“Pinaagi nianang mga empowerment or mga training, mga workshop nga ginabuhat sa DSWD, nakita nako nga wow, ing-ani na gyud, naa gyu’y gender equality nga akong nakita isip mga 4Ps beneficiary,” she said.
(Through the empowerment programs, training, and workshops conducted by the DSWD, I realized that wow, this is how it truly is—there is indeed gender equality, and I have seen this as a 4Ps beneficiary.)
Janolino emphasized that women, especially mothers, assume leadership roles in the household under the 4Ps. She credited this empowerment to the program’s Family Development Sessions (FDS) which have strengthened her self-discipline and leadership skills.
“Mag-start gyud ka sa imohang kaugalingong panimalay. I-start na ni sa imong kaugalingon nga leader ka sa imong kaugalingon. Kung gusto ta’g improvement, mag-start gyud na sa atong kaugalingon,” Janolino added.
(You should start within your household. Begin by leading yourself. If we want improvement, it should start with ourselves.)
As a single mother, Janolino reflected on the difficulties she encountered before joining 4Ps in 2022, particularly in meeting her family’s basic needs. With the support of the program, she is now able to provide for her children’s education, clothing, and shelter.
The financial assistance she received every two months has also allowed her to supply her children with school materials and uniforms, alleviating her family’s financial burden.
“Duna na’y kalainan kay sauna kay maglisod ka sa eskwelahan, pero karon makaingon ko nga, Lord, padulongay na ko, naa naman sa’y release sa 4Ps,” she added.
(There is now a difference; before, it was difficult to send my children to school, but now I can say, Lord, I am moving forward because the 4Ps support is there.
Gender-sensitive activities
Charity Dela Cruz, Gender and Development (GAD) focal person for 4Ps, emphasized the significance of gender sensitivity training (GST) and women’s empowerment within the program.
“Permente gyud namo gina-insist nga ang gender and development or women empowerment is dili siya para malapsan ang mga lalaki but kung asa magtupong sila sa tanang pribilehiyo ma-enjoy niya,” she said.
(We always emphasize that gender and development, or women empowerment, is not about surpassing men but ensuring that both enjoy equal privileges).
Dela Cruz explained that GST benefits both men and women, as it educates men on their roles and responsibilities while reinforcing the importance of respecting their spouses’ rights. The program also uses digital platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and other social media to expand awareness about gender equality.
She further underscored that the 4Ps ensures beneficiaries understand their rights and the referral pathways they can take in case of violations.
“Ato pong gi-emphasize sa mga FDS ug uban pa nga mga means nga dapat kung ingkaso malapas ang ilang mga rights is naa sila’y mga dapat duolan, mga referral, kanang mga case referral pathways,” Dela Cruz added.
(We emphasize in FDS and other means that if their rights are violated, they should know where to go and the case referral pathways they should follow).
With over 256,000 4Ps beneficiaries in northern Mindanao, Dela Cruz emphasized that the program goes beyond providing financial assistance—it fosters leadership, self-reliance, and gender equality. (RTP/PIA-10)
