February 10, 2026 – 4Ps beneficiaries work as ‘one family’ for their dreams

In their community store in Brgy. Masico, Pila, Laguna, no task is too small nor too big for a group of 17 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Whatever they can contribute, be it as simple as attending their monthly meetings to as tiring as buying goods for their regular inventory, the whole group understands and appreciates.

After all, they only have one goal–that is to succeed together for their families.

Their group, the Kalinga MCM Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association, was organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2024 under the SLP. 

Through this program, they were capacitated towards starting and managing their chosen group microenterprise, which is part of the interventions of the DSWD for the beneficiaries of the 4Ps to increase their opportunities to earn additional income and improve their families’ living conditions. 

In July 2024, the group received PhP 330,000 livelihood assistance which they used to open  their community store and rice retailing business.

Working as a ‘family’

“Alam naming hindi habang buhay ay benepisyaryo kami ng 4Ps, kaya itong aming negosyo ay talagang iniingatan namin at pinalalago namin,” shared Archie Rigay, one of the members of the association.

Like Archie, all members of the group are grateful for the opportunity to increase their capacities to help their families given their current living situations.

“Marami kaming natutunan ditong bago. Kung ang 4Ps ay tinuturuan kami tungkol sa pamilya at komunidad, itong SLP naman ay tinuturuan kami na magnegosyo, hindi lang bilang isang grupo kundi kahit sa sari-sarili naming mga pamilya,” shared Liezel Junio, the president of the association, who treats all members as her family.

As the president, Liezel steps up to ensure that their business succeeds and that everyone understands their responsibilities to the group.

“Transparent po kami dito, araw-araw po akong nag-a-update sa aming GC [group chat] at nagmi-meeting po kami kada buwan,” said Liezel, who added that the constant communication builds trust and encourages cooperation among the members.

As a result, all the members of the association step up as well to do their part.

“Alternate kami sa pagbabantay [ng tindahan], kung sinong member ang bakante o available,” shared Joan Ramirez, the treasurer of the association.

All the other members also take their roles seriously in promoting their business as well as in proposing other initiatives to improve the operation of their business.

Grateful for the community store

Since the start of the operation of their community store in July 2024, the group proudly shares that they have come a long way already.

“Nagsimula po kami sa rice retailing hanggang sa lumipat kami at nagtayo ng p’westo dito sa Brgy. Masico. Ngayon ay mayroon na rin kaming pangalawang p’westo sa Brgy. Muhon,” shared Liezel, who added that they were already able to share a part of their profit with the members twice already.

Other than this, the members also benefit from the day-to-day operations of the store.

“Ang nagbabantay po sa tindahan ay kumikita ng PhP 200 kada araw. Nakakatulong din ito lalo na sa panahong walang-wala dahil mas madali na kaming nakakautang ng bigas at iba pang pangangailangan sa bahay,” shared Archie.

Moving forward, Liezel shares that the association looks for ways to expand their business, and all the members are positive that they will be able to do so.
“Ang kailangan lang naming gawin ay magtiwala sa isa’t isa at magtulungan para lahat kami ay umangat,” shared Liezel, who is confident that whenever they graduate as beneficiaries of the 4Ps, they can rely on this business to continue supporting their families.#