The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – City Action Team of Malaybalay facilitated the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) graduation ceremony in coordination with the Malaybalay City Inter-Agency Committee on April 28, 2021.

A total of 187 4Ps households are the first batch to graduate from the program which was piloted in the City of Malaybalay in 2011. Said graduates exited from the program because they no longer have eligible 0-18 years old children for monitoring.

The exiting beneficiaries went through a process of assessment by the DSWD on how their level of well-being has improved from all the interventions provided. They will no longer receive cash grants but they will be turned-over by the DSWD to the LGU for monitoring and for support interventions as part of the aftercare services indicated in the approved sustainability plan.

A ceremonial signing of commitment was also done during the program by the different members of the City Inter-Agency Committee to signify their continued support to 4Ps and to the beneficiaries who already exited the program.

The event held at the People’s Hall, City Hall was graced by the presence of the City Mayor Florencio T. Flores, Jr. who expressed his gratitude to the DSWD for their program in alleviating the families from poverty. He also accentuated the City Government’s continued support for the program. He then encouraged the exiting beneficiaries to persistently work for the welfare of their families.

Two of the graduates, Anecita Salumag of Barangay St. Peter and Amalia Menisterio of Barangay Maligaya, also shared their testimony on how the program has helped them support their children to complete their education and be gainfully employed despite the hardships encountered.

While observing health protocol, 20 representatives among the 4Ps beneficiary-graduates attended the ceremony.

Report by: City Social Welfare and Development Office