DSWD Surigao Sur aligns 4Ps exit planning with PBBM development agenda
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s national agenda on poverty reduction, human capital development, and inclusive growth, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga spearheaded this year’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Provincial Consultation Dialogue with Partners and Stakeholders cum Planning Workshop for the Strategic Exit of 4Ps Households.
The activity, held on May 21 at the VFS Agri-Tourism and Adventure Park in Tago, Surigao del Sur, gathered key partners from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) to strengthen convergence efforts in sustaining the gains of the 4Ps program and ensuring a smooth transition of graduating households toward self-sufficiency.
Anchored on the administration’s ‘no one left behind’ development agenda, the dialogue focused on reviewing commitments made during the initial 2026 planning of city and municipal intervention plans, finalizing strategic actions, and updating stakeholders on the current status of program implementation in the Caraga region.
Hazel Palasol of the Regional Program Management Office discussed the 4Ps exit context and the Enhanced Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) Tool. She emphasized that the initiative supports the Marcos administration’s broader goal of empowering Filipino families through education, livelihood opportunities, and access to essential social services, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term stability.
The provincial government of Surigao del Sur, represented by Acting Governor Manuel Alameda Sr. expressed strong support for the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining convergence programs that complement national efforts in strengthening social protection systems and community resilience.
One of the highlights of the activity was the testimonies shared by former 4Ps beneficiaries who completed their baccalaureate degrees and are now gainfully employed. They credited the program as a vital support system that helped them pursue education, secure employment, and improve their family’s quality of life.
“Bisan sa kalisud sa kinabuhi, wala gyud mi gipaundang sa among parents sa pag-eskwela,” (Despite life’s hardships, our parents never allowed us to stop going to school) shared one beneficiary.
“Through the 4Ps program, we were supported in education and health. School supplies became accessible, and maintaining our attendance in school became easier to achieve. More than just assistance, the 4Ps gave us dignity,” said Jeanrose A. Vista, who is currently serving as a municipal link in Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
Another former 4Ps beneficiary, Ailene Loria, a successful passer and Top 8 in the Criminologist Licensure Examination, also shared her struggles before becoming part of the program.
“Maraming struggles financially, especially sa pag-aaral. As a student before, lisod mag-focus sa study kung sige ka’g huna-huna sa problema sa kwarta ug sa adlaw-adlaw nga panginahanglan (There were many financial struggles, especially in studying. As a student before, it was difficult to focus on studies when you are constantly thinking about money problems and daily needs),” she said.
“But when our family became part of the 4Ps, slowly nagkaroon ng hope. Through the financial assistance and guidance from DSWD, nabawasan kahit paano ang aming mga alalahanin, especially on our basic daily needs,” she added.
Stakeholders also engaged in a planning workshop to identify gaps and strengthen coordination mechanisms, ensuring that interventions remain responsive, data-driven, and aligned with the needs of graduating households. Participants underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among LGUs, NGAs and CSOs in advancing development outcomes at the grassroots level.
As shared by Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) Chief Lilibeth Empedrad, the LGU of San Miguel continues to strengthen its support mechanisms to ensure that transitioning households will not return to poverty, sustain the positive impact of the 4Ps program, and continue becoming responsible and productive members of the community.
DSWD reiterated that the strategic exit process is not a withdrawal of support but a transition toward empowerment by equipping families with the necessary skills, opportunities, and linkages to sustain their progress beyond the program.
Meanwhile, 4Ps Provincial Operations Office (POO)-Surigao del Sur Provincial Link Meiraflor Cabigon discussed the province’s salient program accomplishments and encouraged LGU representatives to fully support convergence initiatives, particularly the Lahutay Tungha program, which assists children-beneficiaries who are at risk of dropping out of school by addressing non-compliance concerns in education.
Among those present during the dialogue were San Miguel Mayor Michael Corilla, Lanuza Mayor Algerio Irizani, Tago Mayor Jelio Val Laurente, Tandag City Ex-officio Member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Charisse Valentine Pimentel-Pineda, city and municipal social welfare and development officers, planning and development officers, and members of the Provincial Advisory Council (PAC).
The activity concluded with a renewed commitment from partners
to further strengthen convergence efforts in line with the President’s vision
of a “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay para sa bawat Pilipino.” (NGPB,
PIA Surigao del Sur)