Close to 1,000 poor families graduate 4Ps in Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 942 members of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Lapu-Lapu City were recognized in a “SAULOG 4Ps Ceremonial Graduation", marking a significant milestone in their journey towards socio-economic empowerment.

“You have made it. Proud kaayo ko ganina nga nag-congratulate ninyong tanan tagsa-tagsa," said Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi King-Chan in her keynote message during the graduation ceremony hosted by the Lapu-Lapu City government in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development through the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

The congresswoman said that her office is open to those who would like to avail themselves of financial assistance, especially the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), as the 4Ps graduates are now eligible for it.

The program highlighted the main goal of putting an end to the intergenerational poverty cycle and its aim to provide assistance to the beneficiaries.

“Today, we celebrate your efforts, discipline, and strong beliefs that no matter how hard life may be, as long as you continue to preserve and strive for a better future for you and your families, you will succeed," said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan in his speech.

The 4Ps serves as a national poverty reduction strategy and a human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years, to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0-18.

These, along with the psychosocial and educational components provided through the Family Development Session (FDS), lead the beneficiaries to have improved and sustained well-being.

A total of ?106.335 billion has been allocated under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to DSWD’s 4Ps, which targets to assist over 4.4 million eligible households in the country.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has emphasized that the ?106.335 billion allocated to the 4Ps is larger compared to the ?102.610 billion from the previous year under the 2023 GAA. —/FPL (FREEMAN)