The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), successfully conducted the Provincial Consultation Dialogue on September 15–16, 2025, at Madigun Hotel and Events, Barangay Alegria, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur.

The two-day activity gathered Local Government Units (LGUs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and program stakeholders in a united effort to strengthen convergence for the effective implementation of 4Ps and to prepare households for their eventual transition toward self-sufficiency.

The consultation was highlighted by the keynote speech of Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago “Santi” Cane, Jr., who emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. He affirmed that 4Ps, with its conditionalities in education and health, is designed to empower children and families by opening doors to opportunities and long-term progress. Governor Cane urged stakeholders to continue supporting the educational journey of every 4Ps child, stressing that investing in human capital is the most sustainable pathway to development.

During the program, the 2025 regional and provincial accomplishments of 4Ps were presented, showcasing milestones, challenges, and lessons learned over the past year. LGUs also reaffirmed their commitments by presenting local intervention plans for households set to exit the program by 2026. Workshops and plenary sessions allowed participants to refine strategies on case management, family development, and the delivery of responsive local services.

During her acceptance message for being awarded the Provincial Best LGU implementing 4Ps, Migra Arianne Reambonanza expressed her gratitude for the award.

“We dedicate this recognition to our hardworking LGU officials, dedicated Municipal Links, and especially to our 4Ps Panelists who continue to inspire us to serve with compassion and excellence. This achievements motivate us to further strengthen our programs, uphold good governance, work hand in hand with our partners towards a brighter and more empowered future for every family. Maraming salamat po sa tiwala at pagkilala. This award is not just for us, it’s for our home municipality,” Reambonanza said.

A moving testimony was shared by the Gentio Family of Agusan del Sur, the Regional Winner of the 2025 Huwarang Pamilya Search. Through their grantee, Gina Gentio, the family recounted their struggles and triumphs in facing life’s challenges and expressed their heartfelt gratitude to 4Ps for serving as a lifeline in their journey toward resilience and self-reliance. Their story stood as a living example of how the program transforms lives—not only through financial assistance but also by nurturing hope and determination in every member of the household.

The Gentio Family’s inspiring story of resilience has also inspired Hon. Deo Manpalitan Jr., the Municipal Mayor of Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur, who sees them as a great example for other 4Ps Families.

“Akong pagtahod sa atong Huwarang Pamilya, sa atong Exemplary Child, setting an example nga pwedeng i follow sa atong 4Ps members; to inspire them to see the hope, that it’s never impossible once you set your minds to it;” he said.

Furthermore, Hon. Manpalitan Jr. remarked on the graduating 4Ps beneficiaries’ need for support from the national government by saying, “…the enrollees of 4Ps are graduating and they will no longer receive support from the national government. It is inevitable for us to support them because they need us.”

Cultural presentations and the recognition of other awardees, including the Exemplary Child, enriched the activity and highlighted the values of perseverance, education, and community solidarity.

The Provincial Consultation Dialogue reaffirmed the collective responsibility of government, partners, and communities in shaping a future where education and shared commitment empower families to rise above poverty.

Republic Act No. 11310 or the 4Ps Act, which was launched in 2008 and formally institutionalized in 2019, serves as the country’s primary poverty alleviation strategy and human capital investment initiative. It grants conditional cash assistance to qualified poor households for up to seven (7) years, aiming to enhance their health, nutrition, and education.