By Xander Ledesma
A total of 5,378 household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Antique have been assessed as ready to exit the program by the end of 2024, officials said Tuesday.
Jeffrey Gabucay, the Pantawid Provincial Link, reported that these beneficiaries, part of the 6,977 target households, have achieved self-sufficiency through stable sources of income and successful education of their children, many of whom have graduated from college.
“We began assessments using the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) tool during the second quarter of this year to evaluate the readiness of beneficiaries to exit the program,” Gabucay said.
The assessment process is expected to conclude by the end of November, with a ceremonial graduation tentatively scheduled for the first week of December.
To support the transitioning beneficiaries, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been working with local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) to provide appropriate interventions.
“Livelihood programs and other support from LGUs and NGAs are crucial to ensure these beneficiaries do not backslide and can sustain their self-sufficiency,” Gabucay added.
As part of the program’s continuity, households identified as the poorest of the poor will replace the graduating beneficiaries and begin receiving cash grants.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a conditional cash transfer initiative, aims to alleviate poverty by providing financial assistance to poor households for health, nutrition, and education, particularly for children aged 0-18.