SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office 1 has attributed the success of its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to strong partnerships with both public and private stakeholders.
These collaborations have ensured that the program’s benefits extend beyond financial assistance, addressing the holistic needs of 4Ps beneficiaries.
DSWD Ilocos Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan said the program’s success stems from the convergence of efforts with various partners, ensuring that the support provided to beneficiaries extends beyond just meeting their health and education needs.
The approach allows for a more comprehensive range of services to improve the overall well-being of 4Ps families in the province.
“It is a testament to the dedication of all of you to assist and uplift the lives of the poorest of the poor,” Gopalan remarked, commending the commitment of the program’s stakeholders during the 4Ps 2024 Partnership Summit held in this city on Friday.
As of August 31, 2024, the DSWD in La Union is actively serving 21,706 households across 20 local government units, supported by only 107 staff members.
This translates to a ratio of one staff member for every 202 households.
To manage the workload, the DSWD has formed partnerships with 20 civil society organizations (CSOs) through signed memoranda of agreement.
Fely Tabaog, a CSO partner from the Crossroad Community Center La Union, Inc., based in Luna, La Union, shared that the partnership has provided their team with an opportunity to contribute to the physical and mental well-being of 4Ps beneficiaries across 40 barangays in the town.
“Being partners with the DSWD opened our eyes to the possibility of contributing to the success of its beneficiaries. It’s a great opportunity to work together, and we look forward to helping even more in 2025,” Tabaog remarked.
On the public sector front, the Philippine Statistics Authority has supported 4Ps beneficiaries by providing them with PhilSys card numbers to protect against identity fraud.
Additionally, the Department of Health distributed jerry cans and calcium hypochlorite to beneficiaries, while the Commission on Population and Development provided orientation on their Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning program to 150 families.
The Department of Agriculture has assisted 6,652 farmers through its various programs and services, and another 2,340 4Ps beneficiaries were enrolled in courses under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Meanwhile, all local government units (LGUs) in La Union have passed Sangguniang Bayan resolutions in support of the 4Ps program, including the facilitation of 4Ps graduation ceremonies.
Maria Lucile Estacio, a representative from the LGU of Aringay, shared that the local government remains committed to passing legislation that supports the success of 4Ps beneficiaries, recognizing their potential to positively impact the entire municipality.
“The municipality aspires to uplift the economic condition of its human capital, ensuring that no one is left behind on the path to holistic development,” Estacio stated.
The public-private partnership in La Union has resulted in the graduation of 9,627 households from 4Ps, along with 1,650 households that have voluntarily waived their participation.
The 4Ps also fostered student achievement in the province, with 1,381 students graduating with honors, 140 with high honors, and seven achieving the highest honors.
Additionally, 599 4Ps beneficiaries have completed college degrees in La Union, 204 of whom successfully passed their respective board exams. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
