OUT OF POVERTY. Some of the over 4,000 household beneficiaries in Central Visayas hold their certificates as they graduate from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). DSWD-7 regional director Shalaine Marie Lucero on Wednesday (Jan. 24, 2024) said the 4,156 families are now out of poverty because of 4Ps. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-7)
CEBU CITY – Over 4,000 households in Central Visayas have been removed from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in 2023 as they have been considered out of poverty, a social welfare official said Wednesday.
Shalaine Marie Lucero, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), said 4,156 families in the region are now self-sufficient as they attained significant changes in their lives since they received assistance under the conditional cash transfer program.
These families have 0 to 18-year-olds or children who have finished their senior high school upon graduation in the program, based on the social welfare development indicator (SWDI) conducted by the agency.
SWDI is aimed at determining and monitoring the progress of the 4P households’ well-being and to facilitate case management for a sustainable transition out of poverty.
To be considered a self-sufficient household, the beneficiaries should have enough income as they leave the program, could cope with their daily needs, and have achieved the first two SWDI levels.
“Those who have graduated from the program should continue to persevere and work hard. They should not forget the lessons during the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) because they can use these in achieving their dreams,” Lucero told the Philippine News Agency.
Lucero said some 4Ps family members are already employed in private companies and local government units while some work in the barangay or as overseas Filipino workers and teachers.
Many are engaged in livelihood activities such as livestock raising, food vending, homecare, personal care service providers, farmers and fishermen.
Those who graduated from 4Ps came from 18 localities in Cebu, 10 in Bohol, five in Negros Oriental and six in Siquijor. (PNA)
