The Department of Social Welfare and Development recently recognized children beneficiaries across the country as national advocates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or more popularly known as 4Ps.

During the Araw ng Kabataan held in Pasig City last November 23, 17 exemplary children were awarded as program advocates that will promote the gains and successes of the country’s conditional cash transfer program.

No less than the DSWD Assistant Secretary, Glenda Relova, together with the National Program Manager, Director Gemma B. Gabuya, presented the recognition to the children.

“We are so happy to see that the program continuous to nurture young and great minds in the hope that their families will soon escape the cycle of poverty. These Pantawid Pamilya children clearly have a bright future ahead,” DSWD ASec. Glenda Relova said.

Also present during the ceremony was Pasig City Mayor, Hon. Vico Sotto who gave salutation to the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Pasig and vowed to support the program advocacies for its beneficiaries.

The Araw ng Kabataan served as the culminating activity of the National Children’s Month celebration. In line with this, the Department celebrated a week-long children’s congress from November 18-24, 2019 in San Juan City, Manila.

Approximately 94 children-beneficiaries of 4Ps from different provinces and cities in the country participated in the said congress including regional representatives from Zamboanga Peninsula.

This year’s theme was “Bata Para Sa Bata” emphasizing the role of children in defining a safe space for children in the community.

Pantawid Pamilya is a social protection program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households primarily of children aged 0-18 and pregnant women. Program beneficiaries receive cash grants as they comply with the program conditions applicable to their households. The conditions are: pregnant women must avail pre and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by a trained health professional; parents must attend Family Development Sessions (FDS); 0-5 years old children must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; 6-14 years old children must receive deworming pills twice a year; and children beneficiaries (0-18 years old) must enroll in school and maintain a class attendance of at least 85% per month.