ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR—Marking its 3^rd year after it was enacted into law, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will celebrate its anniversary together with its National Government Agency (NGA) partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and local chief executives (LCEs) of the cities and municipalities in the Zamboanga Peninsula region on July 22 in Pagadian, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Highlight of the ceremony is the recognition of partners that have provided several interventions that brought about the improved and sustained level of well-being of the program beneficiaries.

“Throughout the years, we have documented thousands of success stories of our beneficiaries that affirm the effectiveness of the program. Back then, we could only hope that the program will be institutionalized for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable families. Until 3 years ago, the program was enacted into law known as the Republic Act 11310 or the 4Ps Act,” DSWD-9 Regional Director Atty. Sittie Raifah M. Pamaloy-Hassan said.

During the activity, the NGAs will also take the opportunity to provide updates on social interventions for 4Ps beneficiaries as part of their commitment through the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meeting.

Prior to the celebration, the DSWD already convened some of the CSOs and NGAs for a strengthened partnership towards more sustainable interventions for 4Ps members. In days to come, the Department will schedule orientation and discussions with newly-installed LCEs in the region about the program.

4Ps provides grants for children until senior high school or until a child reaches the age of 18, whichever comes first. Php300 per month is given per child for elementary pupils, Php500/month for junior high school, and Php700/month for senior high school; the program can only provide grants for a maximum of 3 children per family. Other than that, the program also provides Php750/month health grant and Php600/month rice subsidy.

As of the recent period, the program serves 252,183 households in Region 9.