The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region, through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Provincial Operations Office in Masbate, successfully launched BURULIGAN 2025: Convergence Forum and Conference on Engaging Children and Youth Education on June 3–4, 2025, at Unica Hija Hotel & Resort, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Masbate City.
This two-day forum marked the beginning of a region-wide initiative focused on reinforcing efforts in addressing the increasing challenges related to school participation among 4Ps child-beneficiaries and to boost reintegration efforts for out-of-school children and youth (OSCY) across the Bicol Region.
BURULIGAN 2025 supports President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Ten-Point Agenda, particularly in advancing social protection and human capital development. It also embodies the DSWD’s core mission, led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, that “Bawat Buhay Mahalaga sa DSWD.”
“Buruligan,” a Bikol word meaning helping each other, served as a collaborative platform for key stakeholders, including representatives from Local Social Welfare and Development Offices, Local Youth Development Office, the Department of Education (DepEd) – Division Offices, and 4Ps Municipal Operations Offices. Participants gathered to identify why children drop out of school, citing poverty, cultural norms, lack of resources, and weak support systems as key factors.
Through data-sharing, open dialogue, and workshop sessions, the forum emphasized various evidence-based strategies to sustain students’ interest in school and reintegrate those who have dropped out. Stakeholders also shared innovative practices and local success stories, shedding light on what works at the community level.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging all sectors to actively participate in implementing context-specific interventions that empower Masbateño youth and ensure educational continuity.
Following the successful Masbate leg, BURULIGAN 2025 continues its regional rollout across the Bicol Region. The forum was held in Albay on June 10–11, followed by upcoming events in Camarines Sur on June 16–17, Sorsogon on June 17-18, Camarines Norte on June 19–20, and Catanduanes on July 3–4.
Under the leadership of DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio, BURULIGAN 2025 affirms the department’s dedication to inclusive, community-driven approaches. Director Laurio articulated the need to cultivate sustainable education pathways and foster meaningful collaboration among agencies to uplift and empower 4Ps youth.
BURULIGAN 2025 is more than a series of forums. It is a region-wide movement for educational resilience, paving the way for every Bicolano 4Ps child and youth to access quality learning opportunities, regardless of circumstance.