ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA –The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office IX, through the Provincial Operations Offices (POOs) of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay, successfully conducted a series of Convergence Serbisyo Caravans last October, bringing vital government services directly to the almost 4,000 program members across Zamboanga Peninsula.

Back-to-back-to-back Convergence Caravan activities were conducted by the POOs to address the social welfare indicator gaps. This initiative facilitates the attainment of goals for 4Ps households to steer them towards self-sufficiency.

In Zamboanga City, the back to back convergence activities are the 2^nd and 3^rd leg of the caravan dubbed as Beyond Cash: Comprehensive Support for Pantawid Families anchored on the theme Collaborative Synergy: Fostering Integrated Service to the Pantawid Beneficiaries Through Stakeholders Convergence.

The caravans embody the 4Ps’ commitment to go “Beyond Cash,” providing not only financial aid but also holistic support to empower Filipino families through education, health, livelihood, and social protection services.

As per record, 2,213 4Ps beneficiaries in Zamboanga City benefitted from the 2-day caravan in barangays Sta. Maria and Tetuan happened on October 24 and 25, respectively. While more than 1,000 4Ps beneficiaries were served in Zamboanga Sibugay.

At Sta. Maria Central School, over 1,000 beneficiaries and more than 20 partner agencies gathered to support the advocacy of the 4Ps. 1,000 families received rice from the Office of the City Mayor, 302 new members enrolled in the Social Security System (SSS), 155 individuals received free reading glasses from Tzu Chi Foundation, 98 students awarded scholarships through Hon. Congresswoman Kat Chua, 39 beneficiaries availed of DOLE livelihood assistance, among other services.

The event, facilitated by 4Ps Provincial Link, Glenda Tobias, featured participation from stakeholders such as the Department of Labor and Employment, CHED, City Agriculture Office, Kiwanis Club of Zamboanga City, and JCI Tumaga, among others. Local leaders, including Hon. Jacqueline Lim, emphasized self-reliance and sustainability, while Hon. Kat Chua reaffirmed her commitment to education support.

On the other hand, a separate Convergence Caravan activty was held at ICAS Tetuan where 1,213 beneficiaries were reached. 1,200 food packs were distributed by DSWD Disaster Unit, TESDA conducted a skills training on baking, DOH provided free dental kits and health screenings, Philippine Red Cross offered blood typing and life insurance services, Venus Salon gave free haircuts to 48 individuals.

The event drew participation from Hon. Totong Perez, Hon. Kat Chua, PhilHealth, DOST, BFAR, and numerous private partners, highlighting strong community partnership and civic engagement.

Earlier, on October 18, 2025, 4Ps Provincial Operations Office of Zamboanga Sibugay led by Provincial Link Evalinda Jimeno, in collaboration with Hon. Congressman Atty. Marlo C. Bancoro, hosted the Convergence Serbisyo Caravan: Serbisyo Para sa Lahat at Diplahan National High School.

Over 1,600 clients benefited from the services of 22 partner agencies, including PhilHealth, PSA, DOLE, TESDA, DOST, DA, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Gaisano Grand Mall, which hired 11 applicants on the spot.

Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin lauded the initiative as “a living embodiment of Bayanihan,” emphasizing that progress is fastest when communities work together.

The Regional Program Coordinator of 4Ps in Region 9, Flordeliza A. Atuy, also expressed her satisfaction to the efforts exerted by the provincial offices of the program and its field implementers.

“The Regional Program Management Office of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program feels very delighted that our Provincial Operations Offices go beyond what is expected of them. We know the struggles in implementing the program on the ground with very little resources and yet, with your ingenuity, you are able to pull out activities that would open opportunities and social services to our clients,” Atuy said.

Across all caravans, beneficiaries accessed essential services such as medical and dental consultations, registration for SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG, livelihood assistance, scholarship grants, and housing orientations, all within one coordinated effort.

The convergence events showcased how multi-sector collaboration ensures that government programs reach even the most vulnerable communities efficiently. These caravans reaffirm DSWD’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development through convergence.