The DSWD Field Office IV-A, through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) San Pedro City, Laguna Operations Office, endorsed a total of 300 families to the city government as part of their graduation as beneficiaries of the program. 

These families are those who were assessed by the DSWD to have reached Self-Sufficiency Status or have the capacity to provide for their respective families’ basic needs.

Last July 16, during the Pugay Tagumpay Graduation Ceremony held at the Pacita Astrodome, the local government of San Pedro City accepted these families and committed to provide continuous services and support.

San Pedro City Mayor Art Joseph Francis Mercado, in his message during the ceremony, encouraged the families to continue working and helping themselves to improve their living conditions.

During the ceremony, the beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude to the program towards guiding them in improving their lives.

“Napakalaking tulong po sa amin ng 4Ps para sa pag-aaral ng aming mga anak. Pero kahit na po may tulong kaming natatanggap ay nagsikap pa rin kami para itaguyod sila at hindi puro sa programa lang kami umasa,” shared Josephine Ostonal, a 4Ps graduate from Brgy. Estrella, who added that her children have already finished their studies.

Rebecca Atacador, another graduate from Brgy. United Better Living, shared that she pursued to be a Barangay Kagawad because of the 4Ps.

“Nakikita ko po noon na kapag 4Ps [beneficiary] ka, minamaliit ka ng mga tao. Kaya po nagsumikap ako at ngayon ay isa na akong Barangay Kagawad dahul gusto kong maging representative at boses ng mga mahihirap sa aming barangay,” shared Atacador.

In the 4Ps, family-beneficiaries who are already assessed to have an improved living condition and have the capacity to support their needs are endorsed and prepared for graduation from the program. However, to ensure that the gains of the program are sustained and that they will not slide back to their previous living condition, they are endorsed to their respective local government units with individual family action plans for monitoring and aftercare services. [with reports from JCTPaglingayen]