The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga successfully concluded the 2025 Joint Regional Advisory Council (RAC) – Regional Technical Working Group (RTWG) / Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) / Municipal Convergence Advisory Council (MCAC) Field Visit held on July 30–31, 2025, in the Municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
Participated in by representatives from national government agencies under the RAC/RTWG/ P/MCAC members, the activity aimed to identify best practices, document success stories, and craft actionable recommendations to enhance program delivery and policy responsiveness.
San Miguel was chosen as the host municipality in recognition of its commendable progress and potential in implementing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). During the two-day activity, participants conducted simultaneous site visits and engagements, including Family Development Sessions (FDS), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Parent Leaders and Not Attending School (NAS) children, and home visits to selected 4Ps households. The observations and feedback gathered from these activities will play a crucial role in shaping more responsive and impactful program strategies moving forward.
In his welcome message, Municipal Mayor Hon. Michael Corilla extended his appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the municipality’s dedication to delivering quality public service with compassion and integrity. DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga likewise underscored the significance of collaboration and convergence, echoing the President’s directive to strengthen linkages with national agencies, local governments, and civil society organizations.
The field visit also surfaced inspiring testimonies. Ms. Imi Louda B. Espina of DILG Caraga shared her deepened appreciation of the 4Ps Program after witnessing its direct impact on families. Mr. Melchor Catcha, a former 4Ps beneficiary and now a DepEd Education Program Specialist, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support he received and emphasized the value of giving back to the community.
During the conducted Focus Group Discussions with Parent Leaders, Edralene Valencia, a 14-year 4Ps Beneficiary proclaimed her gres5 appreciation with the program. Being as long of a member as she has, she shared how proud she was with her two children graduating soon.
To close out the activity, 4Ps Division Chief Crislea Celeste shared her amazement with the testimonies she had heard from the members of the joint council. She then reiterated the government’s responsibility to advancing 4Ps’ program implementation further.
“Mag 18 years na ang program. The program has nothing to prove anymore. However, as the rightful duty of a government program, we should continually improve. We conducted this field visit because we want to compliment. Gusto namo makatabang,” Celeste said.
Miss Celeste then thanked everyone responsible for the success of the joint field visit, remarking how social services is truly the most rewarding job.
The valuable insights, observations, and recommendations from the field visit will contribute to the continuous improvement of the 4Ps implementation in the region.
DSWD Caraga and 4Ps Caraga reaffirm their unwavering commitment to delivering responsive, effective, and inclusive programs aimed at improving the overall well-being and quality of life of 4Ps beneficiaries.
