A total of 27 households in Guagua, Pampanga graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
During the graduation rites, Mayor Dante Torres expressed joy as it signals another milestone in the lives of the beneficiaries.
“When 4Ps beneficiaries graduate, it means that their standard of living has improved or leveled up, which is the main purpose of the program,” he said.
However, Torres assured that the local government’s aid to the beneficiaries will not end upon their graduation to the program.
“This is not the end. We still have many programs through our Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Public Employment Service Office. Many things can still happen in their lives. There is still a big room for further improvement,” the mayor said.
For her part, DSWD Regional Director Marites Maristela said the graduation of the beneficiaries is a very clear indication that the intervention is becoming effective.
“Clearly, through the 27 households that are graduating, you are demonstrating the impact and the good results of our cooperation,” she cited.
Meanwhile, in behalf of her fellow beneficiaries, Marietta Nakpil, thanked the government for being part of the program.
“I am ever grateful for the help and opportunity our family has received over the past eight years from DSWD and the local government of Guagua. This aid has helped my family to grow. This will serve as my inspiration to provide a good quality of life to my children and pursue their education,” she said.
4Ps was institutionalized via Republic Act 11210. It intends to be the government’s national strategy in poverty alleviation promoting physical, social, and economic well-being of beneficiaries. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)