TACLOBAN CITY – The Northern Samar provincial government is assisting 100 parent-graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Las Navas town to guide them in their transition from cash grant recipients to community leaders.

Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), on Monday said they held a pre-assessment seminar for exiting 4Ps parent-leaders in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on August 22.

Berbon said the gathering was more than an evaluation exercise, as it became an opportunity for parent-leaders to envision the roles they would continue to play in their families and communities once they exit the 4Ps program.

"As part of the seminar, PEDIPO introduced its programs and services designed to help parent-leaders in their transition from capacity-building and livelihood development to economic empowerment initiatives. These interventions aim to ensure that graduating families continue to find pathways toward sustainable income, resilience, and greater self-reliance," Berbon told the Philippine News Agency.

"This measure will help families move beyond dependency on grants and toward self-reliance, employability, and long-term resilience," he added.

Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan earlier introduced House Bill 604, proposing critical amendments to Republic Act (RA) 11310, or the 4Ps Act, to add focus on livelihood and self-reliance.

Ongchuan said while 4Ps has long provided crucial financial assistance to poor families to support children’s education, health, and nutrition, his bill introduces the integration of skills development and livelihood training.

Under this measure, household beneficiaries will not only receive cash grants but also be required to complete at least two accredited livelihood or skills training programs offered by government agencies, the lawmaker said. 

NORTHERN SAMAR PHOTO