The 3rd Bicol Regional Advisory Council (RAC) – Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Law Monitoring Field Visit generated valuable findings to strengthen the delivery of education and health services for 4Ps beneficiaries and address persistent challenges in program implementation at the municipal level.Held on September 16–19, 2025, at Nathaniel Hotel in Daet, Camarines Norte, the activity enabled national and local agencies to pinpoint gaps in compliance with 4Ps conditionalities and examine their underlying causes. The results will guide policy recommendations aimed at improving support systems and ensuring that the objectives of Republic Act 11310, or the 4Ps Act, are met at the grassroots level.
The initiative was consistent with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to reinforce the government’s social protection programs and ensure that beneficiaries are able to break the cycle of poverty through improved access to education and health services. In line with this national thrust, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the importance of close coordination with partner agencies to guarantee the program’s effectiveness on the ground.
At the regional level, DSWD Bicol, led by Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, steered the field visit and highlighted the role of local implementers in identifying practical solutions for 4Ps households.
Using the RAC Field Visit Monitoring Tool approved by council representatives, the monitoring team facilitated a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Municipal Advisory Council of LGU Daet, the Municipal Operations Office of Daet, and selected household grantees from Barangays Alawihao and Bagasbas.
To validate reports and capture on-the-ground realities, the team also carried out home visits to households with reported cases of cash card pawning. These visits offered deeper understandings into the financial pressures faced by beneficiaries and their coping mechanisms, which will inform future interventions.
According to RAC members, the outputs of the monitoring activity will serve as vital inputs for shaping policies that enhance service delivery, improve compliance support, and reinforce inter-agency collaboration.
The field visit convened representatives from 15 partner agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine National Police (PNP), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), EDUCO, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Through this joint effort, the RAC reiterated its commitment to improving the effectiveness of the 4Ps and ensuring that Filipino families most in need are provided equitable access to essential services and opportunities for long-term well-being.