The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol officially launched the pilot testing of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Family Development Sessions (FDS) using the Magulang Para sa Pag-unlad ng Bata (MaPangBata) module, targeting Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities. Held on May 16, 2025, at the Barangay Hall of Misibis, Tiwi, Albay, the session gathered 13 female participants from the Agta Tabangnon community and focused on strengthening parenting practices for holistic child development.

The initial session, “Building the Strong Foundation of the Child,” is the first of four modules under MaPangBata. It aims to help parents understand their children’s emotional and social needs, foster empathy in caregiving, and build respectful, nurturing home environments. The session was facilitated by the 4Ps – Regional Program Management Office IP Focal Person and Youth Focal, a Certified International Child Development Programme (ICDP) Facilitator.

“Nakakataba po ng puso ang matutunan kung paano mapalaki nang maayos ang ating mga anak, magabayan sila sa maayos na pag-aalaga at magkaroon nang matibay na pagsasama sa loob ng tahanan,” said Nanay Dolores, one of the IP participants, expressing her appreciation for learning how to connect more emotionally with her children.

Nanay Maricel also shared her thoughts, “Maraming salamat po sa programang ito. Ngayon ko lang po narinig ang ganitong paraan ng pag-aalaga sa mga anak—na kailangan pala anuman ang kataingan nila, buong puso namin silang tatanggapin at mamahalin.”

The MaPangBata module also includes future sessions covering financial management, meal planning, and the importance of father involvement in parenting. The approach promotes gender equality and ensures cultural relevance, offering flexible strategies for various family settings.

The Family Development Sessions (FDS) Module on MaPangBata is based on the principles of the ICDP adopted by 4Ps to empower families to build stronger relationships with their children. It is integrated into the 4Ps framework to provide a comprehensive approach to child development and family well-being.

Importantly, the development and implementation of MaPangBata is made possible through the strong partnership between 4Ps and Save the Children Philippines, which has been instrumental in promoting and mainstreaming ICDP across parenting initiatives. This collaboration enhances the program’s capacity to deliver impactful, evidence-based parenting education to Indigenous and marginalized communities.

Currently, DSWD Bicol has a total of 720 capacitated 4Ps staff trained to implement and facilitate Family Development Sessions, ensuring quality and consistency in delivering parenting education across the region.

This pilot initiative reflects the agency’s continuing efforts to support Indigenous families through culturally sensitive and practical parenting education.