The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga in convergence with other partners and stakeholders, is mandated to effectively implement social welfare and development programs, projects, and services that will alleviate poverty and empower disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities for an improved quality of life.
One of the programs designed to carry on the mandate of the agency is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps – a human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor and eligible households to improve their health, nutrition, and education.
After 10 years of the program’s implementation, several families have reached the highest level of well-being and considered graduates/exits of the program. This is considered as a “Katumanan” – the fulfillment and actualization of the Program’s vision, mission, and goals for all of its 4Ps beneficiaries.
This actualization was celebrated through the Katumanan 2021, the first-ever graduation and exit ceremony of the Program, wherein 293 household beneficiaries were recognized and awarded in a blended activity. The ceremony, hosted by the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) of 4Ps Caraga through a virtual Zoom at the Pavilion, Watergate Hotel, was attended by the 73 cities and municipalities, five (5) provinces of Caraga, and Program partner-stakeholders.
In a recorded message, DSWD Undersecretary Danilo G. Pamonag on behalf of the DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, congratulated the household beneficiaries.
“Sa araw na ito nalaman ko na may 293 4Ps households, na narito ngayon, sa buong rehiyon ng Caraga na matagumpay na naabot ang layunin na ito. Hinahangaan ko po kayo. Naitawid ninyo ang inyong mga pamilya mula sa kahirapan gawa ng sarili ninyong pagsisikap kasama ang pakikipaglakbay at gabay ng programa (Today, I was informed that there are 193 4Ps households from the region, who are here today, who have achieved the goals of the program. I am proud of you all. You have uplifted/improved your family’s condition from poverty with your efforts, and through your journey with the program),” Pamonag said.
4Ps National Program Manager Gemma Gabuya also extended her warmest felicitations to all the beneficiaries. DSWD FO Caraga’s OIC-Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen also graced the activity with his presence.
“Receiving your plaques and certificates, signifies the feats and achievements you have endured during life’s journey. It is your passport for greater opportunities in achieving your dreams with gusto. To our dear 4Ps beneficiaries, continue to keep your dreams alive and to remain focus in achieving your goal,” Jamen said.
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the grand celebration and momentous event dubbed as Katumanan 2021 was a successful, with the participation and cooperation of all the DSWD 4Ps field staff, and partner-stakeholders. ###(Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)
