In collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) XI and its Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD FO XI) conducted a field monitoring activity on February 13, 2025, at Marilog Central Elementary School in Marilog District, Davao City. The event aimed to assess the ongoing impact of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) on education, health, and livelihoods for families in the Davao Region.

Led by NEDA XI’s RPMC team, the activity brought together key stakeholders from DSWD XI, local governments, schools, health centers, and 4Ps beneficiaries. The discussions focused on the program’s role in regional development and its contribution to improving family well-being.

Senior Economic Development Specialist Emil B. Clarito, the NEDA XI RPMC team leader, spearheaded the activity as part of their role in monitoring government projects across the Davao Region. The DSWD XI, particularly the 4Ps Regional Program Management Team (RPMT), played a vital role in the event, with support from Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer John Leo C. Cheng, Regional GAD Officer Gemma M. Gulangayan, and Indigenous Peoples Focal Person Melvin T. Diancin.

Additionally, officials from the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), including Barangay Captain Hon. Jeanette Suam, and representatives from Marilog Central Elementary School, Marilog National High School, and Marilog District Hospital participated in the event. They provided updates on how the 4Ps initiative has supported education and health services within their communities.

The event featured a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with 4Ps families, program staff, and local partners. Beneficiaries shared how the program has helped keep their children in school and improve household income. Some participants raised concerns about cash card pawning, which NEDA RPMC took note of. The team offered recommendations to address these concerns, and DSWD XI, together with local partners, will review them for potential improvements. NEDA RPMC emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among government agencies to effectively resolve issues. Janice May A. Cerezo, Supervising Economic Development Specialist at NEDA XI, underscored the value of field visits to assess the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.

The event concluded with a commitment from DSWD XI’s 4Ps team to incorporate the feedback gathered into efforts to improve services for vulnerable families. This monitoring activity reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that the 4Ps program creates lasting positive change in the Davao Region. Through direct engagement with beneficiaries and close collaboration with local partners, DSWD XI and NEDA XI aim to foster a more inclusive and sustainable future for all families in the region.

#BawatBuhayMahalagaSaDSWD
#DSWDsaOnse