Some 564 household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte province have graduated from the program this month as they are now self-sufficient and are no longer poor.

The City Government of Surigao and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga conducted the Katumanan, a graduation ceremony for the 4Ps partner-beneficiaries, at the city’s gymnasium on Feb. 9.

During the ceremony, Atty. Faizal A. Padate, DSWD Caraga Assistant Regional Director for Administration, congratulated the beneficiaries, saying that such “event is indeed a katumanan to their dreams and aspirations many years ago.” Katumanan is a Bisaya word for “actualization” or “fulfillment”.

“I would like to express my congratulations to Surigao City’s 564 households that will finally graduate/exit from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Finally, you have achieved Self-Sufficiency Level, which is the highest level of well-being,” Atty. Padate said. “Today’s event is indeed a katumanan to your dreams and aspirations many years ago.”

The said families are among the 6,641 household beneficiaries in 2022 who graduate/exit from the program.

The 4Ps, implemented by DSWD, is a human development measure of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor, to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children aged 0-18.

Lina M. Linaga, one of the 4Ps grantee, expressed her gratitude to the program that helped her since 2011.

“Salamat kay usa ako sa nahatagan og privilege nga mahimong membro niining [programa] niadto pang 2011. Salamat kay tungod sa suporta sa goberno, pinaagi ng 4Ps, ako nahatagan og pinansyal nga suporta (Thank you for giving me the privilege to become a member of this program since 2011. I am grateful to the government, through the 4Ps, that I was given financial support),” she said.

She said the program was a huge help as she is a solo parent to her five children since 2014. She proudly shared that two of her children are now licensed teachers, while the other three are still studying.

“Ako masigarbohon nga karun nakalingkawas na sa kalisud. Salamat sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (I am proud that I am no longer poor. Thanks to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program),” Linaga said.

“Do not waste this opportunity and start a new life that is full of hope and determination. We assure you that we, at DSWD Caraga, will help you along the way when it comes to social services that you might be needing,” Atty. Padate told the graduates.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer Lenie Liray also encouraged the graduates to apply the lessons they learned from the Family Development Sessions and continue in improving their lives.

“Sa ijo nga ni-graduate na, continue gihapon, dili kita mo backslide. Kung uno ato panginabuhian kuman ipa-improve pa gajud (To the graduates, continue to press on and do not backslide. Improve the livelihood you have right now,” CSWDO Liray said.