ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA — In a significant step toward bolstering local government support for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office IX successfully conducted the Newly Elected Officials (NEO) Orientation and 4Ps Dialogue with Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and LGU representatives across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Held in two batches, September 10 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and September 12 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, the activity aimed to strengthen convergence mechanisms and ensure the sustained implementation of 4Ps and its impact on poverty reduction across the region.

After-event group photo with the participants in the Zamboanga Sibugay leg (left) and Zamboanga Del Norte leg (right).

 

The orientation-dialogue provided an avenue for a deepened LGU engagement and ownership of the 4Ps as a national strategy to alleviate the lives of poor Filipinos. Furthermore, the activity sought to update local officials on the current priorities and direction of the 4Ps program, secure commitments for complementary services in livelihood, education, health, and employment and reinforce convergence frameworks through the Joint Memorandum Circular (DSWD-DILG JMC) and Specific Implementation Agreements (SIAs).

A total of 37 municipalities has attended the said dialogue in the 2 separate events, 13 of which come from the Zamboanga Sibugay Province while 24 municipalities were represented in the Zamboanga Del Norte leg.

DILG Provincial Director, Alberto Ombos and the Office of the Provincial Governor Dulce Ann K. Hofer, represented by Marcy Evans Hannie G. Lazo, emphasized the importance of local ownership and sustained collaboration in achieving the goals of the 4Ps.

During the dialogue-orientation, the participants engaged in action planning focused on integrating 4Ps beneficiaries, particularly the exiting households, into local programs on health, education, employment, and livelihood. Some LGUs expressed intent to institutionalize their commitments through ordinances, ensuring long-term support for 4Ps families.

The approval and formal submission of these plans are targeted by October 2025, pending validation and approval by the respective LCEs. Once finalized, these will be integrated into the Regional Convergence Plan, aligning provincial and municipal efforts with the broader regional development framework.

These activities are part of DSWD’s regional strategy to strengthen partnerships and ensure the sustainability of 4Ps across all sectors.

In a message, DSWD-9 4Ps Regional Program Coordinator, Flordeliza A. Atuy, emphasized this strategy as a right track towards achieving the Department’s organizational output as mandated.

“Our work with the LGUs is crucial. The active participation and clear commitment of our local leaders give us confidence that we are on the right path toward sustained poverty reduction,” Atuy said.

Following the success of the 2 provincial dialogues with LGUs are the upcoming 3^rd and 4^th batches which is scheduled on September 23 and 26 in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Del Sur, respectively.