DSWD Caraga, key partners evaluate 4Ps impact, reinforce field interventions in Dapa, Surigao Norte
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — To ensure the effective and targeted delivery of social protection services, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), spearheaded a monitoring and multi-agency field visit in the municipality of Dapa, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.
Held September 23–24, it brought together representatives from the joint Caraga Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and the Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG), along with the Surigao del Norte Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC), and the Dapa Municipal Convergence Action Committee (MCAC). The joint assessment aimed to cross-verify ground-level implementation data, resolve existing operational gaps, and measure the tangible impact of 4Ps on local households.
Field assessments and ground-level interventions were conducted to gather comprehensive operational insights, and multi-agency teams conducted site visits across contrasting local settings. The monitoring covered high-performing communities—noted for strong adherence to 4Ps conditionalities in health, education, and family development sessions (FDS)—as well as areas grappling with implementation hurdles.
Particular focus was directed at resolving persistent social and behavioural challenges, such as the illegal pawning of cash cards, gambling, and recurring non-compliance. To tackle the root causes behind children not-attending-school (NAS) and families not-availing-health-services (NASH), the delegation facilitated the focus group discussions (FGDs) with affected residents.
The qualitative feedback gathered from these sessions will serve as the foundation for targeted case management and local inter-agency interventions.
The two-day activity also highlighted the conduct of bringing government services closer through the ‘Serbisyo para sa Pamilyang 4Ps’ caravan—a one-stop platform delivering essential public services directly to program beneficiaries.
One of the residents who availed of the services said that she was grateful to the government for bringing the services closer to the community., “Ako si Nanay Soling, usa sa mga nakapahimulos sa inyong gipahigayon nga serbisyo saravan. Gusto lang gyud nako ipaabot ang akong dakong pasalamat sa PhilHealth, Philippine Statistics Authority, ug sa Public Attorney’s Office. (I am Nanay Soling, one of the residents who benefited from the serbisyo caravan. I am grateful to PhilHealth, the Philippine Statistics Authority, and to the Public Attorney’s Office for the services I received from them).
A total of 339 individuals were served across three participating agencies: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)- Surigao del Norte served 237 residents, assisting with birth certificate, marriage, and civil registration records; Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) provided 58 clients with free legal assistance, advice, and consultation; and PhilHealth- Dapa Field Office processed health insurance enrollment, record updates, and benefit queries for 44 beneficiaries.
DSWD Caraga Assistant Regional Director Jean Paul Parajes underscored that true convergence extends beyond policy discussions and manifests in measurable life improvements.
“Convergence becomes truly meaningful when a child stays in school, a family accesses vital healthcare, parents are given livelihood or employment opportunities, and a household gradually becomes stronger, more empowered, and ready to stand on its own feet.” Parajes said.
Municipal Mayor Elizabeth Matugas also expressed full support for hosting the joint exercise, emphasising the local government’s commitment to social welfare initiatives.
The engagement concluded with renewed commitments from participating government bodies and stakeholder organisations. Moving forward, partner agencies pledged integrated support packages tailored to help transition 4Ps families toward economic self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, the evaluation team presented their field findings to the MCAC meeting where . local officials and agency representatives engaged in actionable discussions to address identified gaps and streamline community-level service delivery.
The committee agreed to deliver priority actions, including expanded access to vocational skills training, sustainable livelihood grants, and community-based interventions targeting gender-based violence and social vulnerabilities. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DSWD Caraga)
