LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY- In a momentous occasion for the province of Albay, 100 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) representing the 9,618 households who have reached the Self-Sufficiency level have successfully graduated from the program, marking a significant milestones and achievements.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V on December 18, 2023, through its Provincial Operations Office in Albay, in full collaboration with the Provincial Local Government Unit conducted the 2nd Albay Provincial Pugay Tagumpay. The graduation ceremony was a celebratory undertaking to honor Pantawid household beneficiaries and showcase their success stories. The event was participated in by 100 households from the fifteen (15) municipalities and three (3) cities in Albay out of the 9,618 identified HHs with improved well-being.

As provided under Rule III, Section 4 and Rule V, Sections 6 to 9 of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of 4Ps Act, a qualified household beneficiary shall remain in the program. However subject to the following instances, without prejudice to Section 16 of Rule IX of Case Management and Non-Compliance with Conditions, a qualified household beneficiary shall be deemed to exit from the Program, whichever comes first, when:

  1. The last monitored child in the household reaches 19 years old;
  2. The last monitored child in the household finishes high school;
  3. The household reaches the 7-year duration in the Program;
  4. The household is no longer poor, based on the latest assessment through the adopted standardized targeting system;
  5. The household voluntarily waives its membership in the Program;
  6. or the household commits offenses wherein the sanction is delisting, subject to the standards to be developed by the DSWD.

Moreover, the Albay Provincial Pugay Tagumpay showcased the achievements of individuals and families who had been part of the 4Ps initiative, a flagship social protection program of the DSWD which aims to alleviate poverty by providing cash grants to the country’s most vulnerable households.

The exiting households underwent transitioning and exit procedure as part of the Convergence and Kilos-Unlad Framework, which are anchored on the DSWD Social Case Management Strategy. This is done to guarantee the HH-level beneficiary’s well-being will continue to improve and prevent them from sliding back into poverty. The ceremony celebrates each household’s overall improvement in their well-being while also recognizing exemplary efforts of the beneficiaries in their journey towards self-sufficiency.

The success stories shared during the Pugay Tagumpay highlighted the transformative impact of the 4Ps program on individuals and communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and opening doors to a brighter future.

DWSD Regional Director Norman S. Laurio expressed his appreciation for the positive outcomes achieved by the 4Ps beneficiaries in Albay, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts in social welfare programs. He stated, “The graduation of 100 beneficiaries from the 4Ps program is a testament to the effectiveness of targeted interventions in addressing the root causes of poverty. This achievement reflects the resilience and determination of our people to improve their lives.”

With this number of exiting HHs, the complementation of support services and interventions are gathered from the local government, civil society organizations and non-government partners. The aftercare services encompass various intervention, including but not limited to medical assistance, scholarship, livelihood support, skills training and capability building, employment referral, capacitating employable skills, and additional educational support.

As these families move forward, the challenge lies in sustaining the progress they have made and furthering their economic and social well-being. The 4Ps program continues to be a vital tool in the Philippine government’s efforts to uplift marginalized communities, and the success in Albay serves as an inspiration for other provinces striving towards similar positive outcomes.