The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VβBicol Region, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), welcomed dignitaries from the World Food Programme (WFP) yesterday, August 25, 2026, for an engagement and field visit in Tiwi, Albay, highlighting the experiences of 4Ps parent leaders and communities in disaster risk management (DRM).
Present from the WFP are Michelle Quintaglie, Head of Communications; Helen Clarke, WFP Head of Branding and Multimedia; and Regis Chapman, WFP Representative and Country Director for the Philippines.
Prior to visiting the 4Ps community in Barangay Lourdes, Tiwi, Albay, the delegation engaged with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and joined a community walk with the Barangay Captain, representatives of the Municipal DRRM Office, and 4Ps parent leaders.
During the community engagement, 4Ps beneficiaries shared their experiences and learnings on disaster risk management, including how the programβs Family Development Sessions (FDS) have helped strengthen their awareness, preparedness, and capacity to respond to disasters and other emergencies.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for DSWD Bicol, WFP, and the local government to discuss potential areas of partnership and collaboration.
Among the initiatives highlighted for possible benchmarking and further development was anticipatory action and disaster risk financing through the established systems of the 4Ps.
With its extensive and established beneficiary database, community structures, and mechanisms for delivering assistance, the 4Ps presents opportunities to further strengthen anticipatory and shock-responsive social protection initiatives, particularly for vulnerable families facing the impacts of disasters.
Under the leadership of DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, the DSWD Bicol continues to strengthen its engagement with partners and stakeholders in advancing responsive and disaster-resilient social protection systems, in support of Secretary Rex Gatchalianβs commitment to ensure that no pantawid family is left behind.
These efforts are likewise aligned with President Ferdinand βBongbongβ Marcos Jr.βs current socio-economic thrusts toward building resilient communities and advancing inclusive development.
After the Tiwi visit, the delegation went to DSWD Bicolβs warehouse to further highlight the agencyβs disaster preparedness and showcase the stockpiles of Food and Non-Food Items, highlighting the agencyβs efforts to respond to disaster-stricken areas.