The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XI, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region XI, awarded livelihood assistance to four exited beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental on August 12, 2025, at the DOLE Provincial Office in Malita, Davao Occidental.

The awarding ceremony was led by Ben Ritche, DOLE Provincial Head Paul V. Cruz, and DOLE Officer Maricel Masandang, with the support of the 4Ps Municipal Operations Office in Sta. Maria.

Each beneficiary received ₱30,000 in livelihood subsidy under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), aimed at ensuring their long-term sustainability and economic empowerment. This initiative is part of the government’s continuing efforts to help former 4Ps beneficiaries achieve self-sufficiency by supporting their business ventures and reducing dependence on government aid.

One of the recipients, Analisa B. Berdon, solo parent, and 4Ps beneficiary from Lower Fatima, Sta Maria, Davao Occidental, expressed her deep gratitude for the assistance:

“Mapasalamaton kaayo ko ug dako sa DOLE XI ug sa DSWD XI sa ilang gihatag nga suporta kanamo nga ni-exit na sa Pantawid Program. Dako kaayo kini’g tabang labi na gayud nga solo parent ko. Nahatagan mi ug igong kapital para mapalambo pa namo ang among nasugdan nga negosyo para sa among pang-adlaw-adlaw nga panginahanglan, labi na jud sa edukasyon sa akong usa ka estudyante karon.”
(“I am truly and deeply grateful to DOLE XI for the support given to us who have exited from the Pantawid Program. This is a huge help, especially as a single parent, because we were given enough capital to improve the business we have started. This will help us survive our daily needs, especially for the education of my child who is now in college.”)

Beneficiaries were carefully selected based on their readiness and commitment to start or improve their livelihood. Applications were also validated by DSWD Municipal Links and underwent interviews by DOLE before approval.

This partnership underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that support for 4Ps beneficiaries does not end upon graduation from the program. Through initiatives like this, exited households are equipped with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to sustain their livelihoods, break the cycle of poverty, and secure a better future for their families.

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