A thousand Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Parent Leaders from the 34 Local Government Units of Ilocos Sur gathered for the Parent Leaders’ Summit 2025 at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on 6 August 2025.
The summit aimed to reinforce knowledge of the Parent Leaders on their specific roles and responsibilities specifically in various program components. Organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region (DSWD FO 1) 4Ps Division, in partnership with PhilHealth and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the event was both informative and meaningful.
In the Welcome Remarks of the Provincial Governor Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson, delivered by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Fayinna Pilar Singson Zaragoza- Delgado, he acknowledged the important roles of the Parent Leaders saying, “Our parent leaders are not just recipients of assistance, they are frontliners in promoting change, hope, and resilience. Empowering them is strengthening the core of the society.”
PhilHealth, as the main partner for the activity, went beyond logistics by providing meals and snacks; conducting an orientation on the YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Para Malayo sa Sakit) Program; and distributing PhilHealth IDs. PSWD Officer Noemie Kathleen T. Balbuena also shared the province’s social welfare programs and services for 4Ps household beneficiaries, reinforcing the LGUs commitment to inclusive development.
Adding to the day’s value, representatives from the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas provided guidance on financial literacy, while the Department of Labor and Employment presented insights on the registration process for associations. As a thoughtful gesture, Personal Collection gave each participant personal care products.
Janet Yagin, Parent Leader, in an interview with PTV New Ylocos, said “Diyay gaget ken determinasyon ko kas maysa a parent leader, inaramid ko iti amin nga obligasyon ko ken daydi pinagayat ko ti ka-member ko. Nagasat nak nga uray maymaysa nak nga agsasaad ti biag ta nasapa nga natay ti lakay ko. Agyamanak ta kolehiyo dagitay annak kun (With my dedication and determination as a parent leader, I fulfilled all my responsibilities and showed genuine care to my fellow members. I am grateful that even though I am alone in facing life, since my husband passed away early, I am thankful that my children are already in college).”
On the other hand, Jovelyn Yagin extended her thanks to the agencies that tirelessly implement 4Ps saying, “Alaek man iti daytoy nga gundaway nga agyaman iti amin nga ahensya nga naayat nga tumultulong ti 4Ps. Sapay kuma ta ad ado pay maikkan iti gundayaw nga mapasali iti daytoy nga programa (I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the agencies that have been generously supporting the 4Ps. I hope that more people will be given the chance to be included in this program).”
On behalf of DSWD Field Office Regional Director Marie Angela S. Gopalan, 4Ps Division Chief Rosalyn L. Descallar concluded the event by thanking all of the partners who helped make the Parent Leaders’ Summit a success. Along with praising each Parent Leader, she highlighted their invaluable support in the effective implementation of the 4Ps, saying, “Sa inyo pong aming magigiting na parent leaders, saludo kami sa inyo (We salute you, our courageous parent leaders).” (by: Arlem Kenneth R. Areola, Social Development and Advocacy Section Head)