DSWD Caraga honors exemplary 4Ps beneficiaries at first-ever ABUNDA recognition event
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga honored outstanding beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) during its first-ever ABUNDA 2025 which stands for ‘Acknowledging Beneficiaries’ Unwavering Narratives, Dedication, and Achievements’ on November 11 in Butuan City.
The ABUNDA awards recognizes 4Ps beneficiaries who have maximized the government’s program to improve their living conditions and demonstrate excellence in their respective fields.
In his opening message, DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul S. Parajes commended the awardees, noting that their stories give deeper meaning to the program.
“Dili lang kini selebrasyon sa ayuda kundi selebrasyon sa determinasyon sa kada beneficiary nga mulambo ang ilang kinabuhi (This [ABUNDA] is not just about the financial assistance you received, rather, this is a celebration of the determination of each beneficiary in enhancing your quality of life),” Parajes said.
He emphasized that the 4Ps envisions a nation where progress is shared among all Filipinos regardless of status.
“Every citizen who is able to stand on their own reflects not just their own achievement but is also an accomplishment for the entire nation. An example of which are our 4Ps exemplary children and topnotchers who are living testaments that poverty is not a barrier to excellence,” he added.
The event gathered provincial awardees who were named nominees for the regional award. Winners will represent Caraga in the upcoming National Children’s Congress in Quezon City next week.
Award categories included Best Parent Leaders, Huwarang Pamilya, Exemplary Children, and Topnotchers.
* Best Parent Leader: Luisa M. Bongo, a barangay nutrition scholar from Butuan City, Agusan del Norte who uses her platform to influence her community in ensuring proper nutrition for their families.
* Huwarang Pamilya: Gentio family from Trento, Agusan del Sur who, from a family living in a flood prone area struggling to make ends meet, now have secured a land on their name, and improved their living condition. One of their daughters has already graduated from college while the other one will be graduating by the end of this school year. Mrs. Gentio also has her own small business now.
* Exemplary Child: Stephen C. Rojo, 12-year-old junior high school student recognized for his academic achievements and his commendable moral character and values.#
* 4Ps Topnotcher: Engineer Dominique Magpatoc, who graduated Cum Laude and ranked third in the 2025 Licensure Examination for Geodetic Engineers
In her testimony, Gina C. Gentio, matriarch of the Huwarang Pamilya awardee, recounted the challenges her family endured before being chosen as a 4Ps beneficiary. Despite completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, she had to stop working after giving birth to her youngest child, Romy, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome.
“I had to look for more ways to earn money for my family together with my husband. I tried making native delicacies and selling them in our community, but our combined income was still not enough to cover our children’s school needs. When we became 4Ps beneficiaries in 2009, it was truly an answered prayer. We used the assistance to support our children’s education, and whenever there was a small amount left, I invested in livestock which eventually grew into a business,” Gentio shared.
Today, the Gentio family has successfully established their own DTI-registered products, including Gina’s Turmeric Powder, which is now being sold nationwide. Their products have even reached international customers, as relatives of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) send Gina’s goods to their families abroad.
These are just a few of the thousands of stories of 4Ps beneficiaries across the country. Through ABUNDA 2025, DSWD Caraga highlighted the transformative impact of the 4Ps program, showcasing how determination and resilience among beneficiaries can turn government support into lasting success stories. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
