ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA—The Local Government Unit (LGU) of the Municipality of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay continues to support the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the DSWD by empowering and capacitating its beneficiaries. 36 Parent Leaders of the 4Ps in the said municipality were able to attend the Parent Leaders Summit 2024 that was hosted by the LGU, recently.

The Summit intended to provide technical know-how to the beneficiaries should they wish to create a recognized group or federation of Parent Leaders in the community. For starters, the Municipal Civil Society Organization (CSO) focal, Mr. Mingie Lou Diongson, oriented the beneficiaries about the roles, function, and importance of CSOs in nation-building. The 4Ps envisions its beneficiaries to be active members of society hence this orientation is indeed helpful in the attainment of such vision.

Regional Director of the DSWD, Riduan P. Hadjimuddin, expressed that the partnership between the 4Ps and the local government units has always been proven to be an effective intervention to empower program beneficiaries.

“Apart from the monthly Family Development Sessions, the contributions of the LGUs especially in supporting the development of 4Ps beneficiaries have been really helpful in promoting the well-being of the poor. In fact, this is a positive variable in our assessment with 4Ps members that contributes to their progress towards Self-Sufficiency,” said Hadjimuddin.

DILG also participated in the said capacity-building activity for the 4Ps members by discussing the accreditation process for federations and Peoples Organizations. This Summit opened possibilities for beneficiaries to become accredited by an authorized body.

DSWD workers, Jamer Centi and Raymond Dumaog, discussed the guidelines on the creation of Parent Leaders Federation and the roles and responsibilities of Parent Leaders in their families and community, respectively.

The DSWD will continue to monitor these 36 Parent Leaders for possible registration and accreditation as a group. The Department extends its gratitude to the local government unit of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay headed by Local Chief Executive, Hon. Edreluisa C. Calonge.