The Sorsogon Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol, recently spearheaded the inaugural Parent Leaders Congress, which brought together 721 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) parent leaders from various municipalities, including Barcelona, Bulan, Bulusan, Gubat, Irosin, Matnog, Prieto Diaz, Sta. Magdalena, Casiguran, Pilar, Donsol, Magallanes, Castilla, Juban, and Sorsogon City.

This event highlighted the significant participation and leadership of parent leaders within the community.

Nationally, there are 151,781 parent leaders, with the Bicol Region boasting the highest number at 15,792. The congress underscored the crucial role these leaders play in local planning, community mobilization, and the facilitation of family development sessions.

Key attendees included Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) National Program Manager (NPM) and Director Gemma B. Gabuya, 4Ps Party-list Representative Jonathan Clement Abalos, Sorsogon City Mayor Ma. Ester E. Hamor, Provincial Administrator Eric Franco Ravanila, Provincial Board Member on Committee on Family and Community Marla Nini Ravanilla, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (PSWDO) Blesilda Bontigao, and City Social Welfare and Development Officer (CSWDO) Josie Jadie.

“Kayong mga parent leaders ay hindi lang basta mga benepisyaryo o grantees, kayo ay aming mga katuwang sa pagpapatupad, paghahanda, at pagpapabuti ng ating programa,” Director Gabuya, who served as the guest speaker, said.

The 4Ps national program manager also shared that the agency is advocating for the passing of House Bill No. 10388 or “an act strengthening the effective implementation of the 4Ps through parent leaders’ engagement and providing funds thereof.” The legislative measure, according to Director Gabuya, is expected to provide essential resources and support to Parent Leaders, which later on will benefit the 4.4 million 4Ps household beneficiaries nationwide.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio on his video message stated “ang pagtitipon na ito na naglalayong bigyang pagkakataon ang lahat ng parent leaders na kumunekta at makadaupang palad ang bawat isa, pandayin at palakasin ang ugnayan, pakikipagkapwa, pagbabahaginan at partnerships, kilalanin at pagbibigay puwang sa kahalagahan ng pagbubuklod at sama samang pagtataya tungo sa iisang mithiin na mapabuti ang kalagayan at antas ng pamumuhay ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino kabilang sa programang 4Ps.”

The event also featured a Mental Health Awareness Activity, providing a platform for parent leaders to discuss and address mental health issues within their communities. This initiative aimed to empower parent leaders and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their fellow community members effectively.

Overall, the First Parent Leaders Congress and Mental Health Awareness Activity was a significant step toward strengthening community bonds and enhancing the well-being of families in the Bicol Region.