The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Negros Island Region, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Bacolod City Operations Office, in partnership with Barangay Cabug, marked a milestone Sept. 25 with the graduation of 118 household grantees who have successfully transitioned out of the program.
These families have been assessed as Level 3, or self-sufficient, based on the Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI), a tool used by case workers to measure the overall well-being and progress of 4Ps beneficiaries.
The ceremony was attended by DSWD-NIR 4Ps regional program coordinator OIC Reggie Locsin, who delivered an inspirational message, together with provincial link Cherrilyn Alvarez, other regional staff, and punong barangay Jennifer Pintucan, who have supported the families throughout their journey.
As part of the Kilos-Unlad framework, the graduates were turned over to the local government unit for continued assistance through an aftercare program, to ensure their sustained growth and resilience beyond 4Ps, the DSWD-NIR said in a press release.
To spark meaningful changes in the lives of local families, the DSWD-NIR, through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), also recently released P2.98 million under the Product Diversification and Development Grant (PDDG).
The support reached 298 individuals, each receiving P10,000, to help strengthen their livelihoods and explore new ventures.
Of the beneficiaries, 191 came from District 3 of Negros Oriental, like Siaton, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Bayawan, and Santa Catalina, while another 107 grantees came from the province of Siquijor.
The initiative reflects DSWD-NIR SLP’s continuing effort to empower communities by opening opportunities for sustainable income and resilience.
In Sagay, the DSWD-NIR SLP also turned over P600,000 in checks to two Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan SLP Associations.
The Colonia Divina Farmworkers Association and the Purok Fire Tree Farmers Association each received P300,000 seed capital fund to kick-start their proposed egg production projects under the 2024 Pamana LGU-led Continuing Fund.
Pamana is the national government’s peace and development framework, designed to promote peace-building, support reconstruction, and foster sustainable development in conflict-affected areas. It ensures that grassroots communities not only recover but also thrive through inclusive governance and livelihood opportunities, the DSWD-NIR said. ||
