Iloilo city: A total of 100,179 households are set to exit or graduate from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) this year, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Tuesday. This marks a significant milestone in the program's implementation in Western Visayas, where efforts have been focused on fostering self-sufficiency among participating families.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD - Western Visayas Regional Director Joselito Estember highlighted that this upcoming graduation is in addition to the 117,850 households that have already successfully exited the program since its inception. Estember emphasized the government's commitment to supporting these households through a dedicated case management process, ensuring they reach a self-sufficiency status (Level 3) as defined by social welfare and development indicators.
Local government units have been encouraged to implement 'aftercare' programs to continue supporting families after they graduate from 4Ps. Estember noted that not all households graduated at Level 3, with some exiting due to natural attrition, such as no longer having children aged between zero and 18 years old. However, a significant percentage achieved self-sufficiency, which means they can independently sustain their daily needs.
The program's success is further demonstrated by the achievements of 4Ps-monitored children, many of whom have graduated from college and pursued professional careers in fields such as law, medicine, engineering, and education. Some have even excelled by topping board exams in their respective professions.
Estember also mentioned that they are awaiting guidance from the Central Office regarding additional or replacement beneficiaries for households exiting the program. As of January 5, Western Visayas has 151,801 households still enrolled in 4Ps, with 274,873 children being monitored from elementary to senior high school under educational conditionalities. Additionally, 10,384 beneficiaries are part of the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) initiative, which provides a monthly cash grant of PHP350 for pregnant women and children aged zero to two years.
In 2025, the DSWD disbursed PHP4.1 billion in cash grants to support 4Ps beneficiaries, underscoring the program's ongoing impact in the region.
