IN WESTERN Visayas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has taken significant strides in uplifting the lives of the poorest families through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). However, as 9,212 families prepare to graduate from the program this year, the focus now shifts to ensuring that they do not regress into poverty. The success of this transition largely hinges on the active involvement of Local Government Units (LGUs) in providing essential aftercare services.
The DSWD has allocated P183 million for its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), targeting these graduating families across the region. This investment is distributed among several provinces, including Aklan with P19.2 million for 966 families, Antique with P20.065 million for 1,000 families, and Iloilo with P46.36 million for 2,325 families, among others. This financial commitment is a recognition of the importance of continuous support in maintaining the socioeconomic gains achieved through the 4Ps.
In this effort, the indispensable role of LGUs cannot be overemphasized. The aftercare services they can help provide with DSWD are vital in ensuring that the gains made under the 4Ps are not lost. These services include capacity-building initiatives, livelihood opportunities, and continuous monitoring to guide families in their journey towards self-sufficiency.
More than being supplementary, the LGUs’ involvement is a cornerstone of the 4P’s sustainability. By forming Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) associations, families are not only given financial aid but also the training and support needed to identify and engage in viable micro-development enterprises. This ensures that beneficiaries are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain their improved socioeconomic status.
In fact, the statistics from DSWD Region 6 highlight the expansive reach and impact of these initiatives. To date, 56,620 4Ps households have received support, with 30,833 households benefiting from scholarships, livelihood assistance, and health services provided by LGUs. Additionally, 8,923 households have received livelihood and employment opportunities from various government agencies. In 2024 alone, 16,864 4Ps households have already received livelihood projects, demonstrating the program’s robust support network.
As these families transition out of the 4Ps, the continuity of support from LGUs is crucial. The maximum duration of seven years for 4Ps participation, as mandated by a new law, makes it even more imperative for LGUs to step up their efforts. Annual assessments determine the readiness of households to graduate, and LGUs must ensure that these assessments translate into sustained well-being and economic stability for the families.
The successful graduation of families from the 4Ps program depends on the robust and continuous support from local government units and DSWD. It is essential to recognize and strengthen this collaboration to ensure that the socioeconomic gains achieved are not only maintained but also built upon for a more prosperous future for all.
