By Matthew Go
A total of 28,023 families in Calabarzon have graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as of December 18, 2024, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 4A.
These families have been classified as self-sufficient, capable of independently meeting their basic needs without continued financial aid from the program.
Joseph Arceo, the public information officer of DSWD-4A, said in an interview on Thursday that the graduation process assesses households that have shown significant improvement in living conditions. Graduates are endorsed to their respective local government units (LGUs) for further monitoring and access to additional support services.
“Aftercare services provided by LGUs are essential to sustaining the progress of these families and ensuring they do not return to their previous conditions,” Arceo said.
Graduates of the program can access services such as college scholarships, livelihood assistance, skills training, and employment referrals through their LGUs. These initiatives are designed to help families maintain and further develop their self-sufficiency.
Arceo highlighted the role of the Pugay Tagumpay Graduation Ceremony, a formal event held by the 4Ps City/Municipal Operations Offices in collaboration with LGUs, to celebrate the achievements of the graduates. The ceremony recognizes the beneficiaries’ milestones and acknowledges their dedication to improving their quality of life.
Since 2021, a total of 64,140 families in Calabarzon have successfully graduated from the 4Ps program. The milestone reflects the program’s continued impact in empowering families to achieve economic independence and improved living conditions.