The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Thursday, April 11, that 25,904 families enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have achieved self-sufficiency and graduated from the program.

The 4Ps graduates were honored at the “Pugay Tagumpay” graduation and exit ceremonies conducted by the various DSWD field offices in collaboration with local government units (LGUs).

DSWD Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group and co-spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the ceremony is a tribute to the beneficiaries whose lives have been improved because of the program and the efforts of partner stakeholders.

“The 4Ps Pugay-Tagumpay graduation and exit ceremony is a celebration of the beneficiaries’ milestone and highlights the significant achievement that reflects the dedication and hard work of both the beneficiaries and the program implementers,” she said.

“The graduation of these households signifies not only achieving economic stability but also empowering households with newfound competency to cope with challenges and to contribute to the development of their respective communities. Also, the 4Ps beneficiaries become active partners in connecting the government’s programs and services to other vulnerable and underprivileged families,” she added.

DSWD said families who have voluntarily left the program, and those who were evaluated as having attained self-sufficiency, are formally recommended to their LGUs for either follow-up monitoring or additional interventions to maintain their current level of well-being.

“Through initiatives like this, beneficiaries would be equipped with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to pursue sustainable livelihoods and build brighter futures for themselves and their families,” Dumlao explained.

She pointed out that the DSWD will continue to support the 4Ps graduates as they work toward greater economic independence.

“By investing in human capital and providing vulnerable families with the tools they need to succeed, the program has made significant steps in reducing poverty and improving the well-being of Filipinos,” she said.

The 4Ps is the Philippine government’s flagship poverty alleviation program, which improves Filipinos’ lives by investing in children’s education, nutrition, and health.