45 partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Carmen, Surigao del Sur graduated from the program through the KATUMANAN 2025 Exit Ceremony with the theme, “Paglambo ug Pag-Uswag: A Celebration of Resilience and Transformation of 4Ps Graduated Beneficiaries” after achieving the Level 3–self-sufficient status of well-being.

The ceremony was attended by Municipal Vice Mayor, Jane Plaza, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Members, Harvey Manawatao and Nilo Bigno, Barangay Poblacion Kagawad, Roberto Bagaan, and 4Ps Provincial Operations Office-Surigao del Sur (POO-SDS) and Municipal Operations Office-Carmen.

Vice Mayor Plaza has urged beneficiaries to sustain their progress even after this graduation ceremony and also expressed the Local Government Unit’s plan for the next KATUMANAN.

“Challenge nato karon, kay self sufficient naman ta, kung within the years nga beneficiaries pa ta, nakahuna huna ta og negosyo nga pwede nato mapadayon hangtod beyond sa atong graduation, mas maayo unta. Pero ngano dili man nato masugdan karon diba? Pwede pa man. In fact, kamo man ang among i prioritize kung naa mi SLP (Sustainable Livelihood Program),” Vice Mayor said.

Furthermore, Vice Mayor Plaza has further plans for ongoing 4Ps beneficiaries to recognize exemplary families that engage in their own businesses and services.
“Pero naa koy isa ka idea: para sa wala pa ni graduate, himuan nato og ordinance nga makahatag nila og tinuod nga kalipay during graduation, kanang naay mga awards. For next year’s graduation, we will look for families engaged in businesses, engaged in services or work, or katong nagdugang og trabaho aside sa ilang existing source of income.” she added.

SB Member Manawatao commended the beneficiaries for their significant efforts in securing a better future for their children. Manawatao praised the dedication shown by parents, emphasizing that the strength of the family unit is essential to the overall progress of their town.

“Inyo na gyud gidala ang ilang kaugmaon para sa usa ka hayag ug malambuon nga future. Ug tungod ana, personally, nagpasalamat ko ninyo. Ang paglambo, mga kaigsuonan, sa usa ka lungsod, magsugod gyud sa atong tagsa-tagsa ka panimalay.” SB Manawatao said.

Meanwhile, Ms. Joanna Jane Rabaya, POO-SDS representative and Cluster Link Officer, said that this graduation marks their successful transition to self-sufficiency and the conclusion of their program involvement. Their exit creates an opportunity for 45 new families to join the program next year. Ms. Rabaya also expressed her gratitude to LGU Carmen for its continued support to the program and to the Municipal Links for their hard work and dedication in guiding and monitoring the beneficiaries.

The event highlighted the official handover of graduating households’ case folders to the Local Government Unit (LGU) for continued aftercare services, ensuring ongoing support through local resolutions and executive orders. Additionally, beneficiaries received certificates of achievement, five kilos of rice, and a bag of grocery items provided by the LGU of Carmen.