By the end of 2025, the DSWD Field Office 1 – Ilocos Region (DSWD FO 1) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recorded 22,097 4Ps households that reached self-sufficiency, based on the 2025 Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) assessment. These households have improved their living conditions, with stable sources of income, and can now meet their daily needs without the program assistance specifically on cash grants. 

Behind this figure are the stories of perseverance of parents who started small livelihood, children who recognized the importance of having an education, and households that religiously followed the conditions of the program. More than receiving cash grants, 4Ps household beneficiaries actively complied with activities designed to strengthen family well-being and human development, such as with at least 85 percent school attendance; bringing pregnant women and young children to health checkups; prenatal and postnatal care; immunizations; and actively participating in Family Development Sessions (FDS) that focus on responsible parenting, financial management, health, and disaster preparedness.

One of the household beneficiaries who reached self-sufficiency is Analyn D. Marquez of Purok III, Pias, City of San Fernando, La Union. After completing the six-month transition period, her household officially graduated from the program in October 2025.

“Masaya akong grumaduate sa 4Ps dahil malayong naging maginhawa ang buhay namin kumpara noong unang araw na maging 4Ps beneficiary ang pamilya ko. Nahasa ang mga kaalaman ko dahil sa FDS, ito ang naging sandata namin sa araw-araw,” she shared.

She noted that the monthly FDS greatly contributed to her personal growth, particularly in developing her leadership skills, which later led to her role as a parent leader. She later applied the knowledge she gained to establish a small frozen food business, which eventually expanded through the assistance of the Local Government Unit of City of San Fernando, La Union that provided PhP10,000.00 to help sustain the business.

Putting her learning into practice, Annalyn went on to serve the community beyond the program and was eventually elected as a Barangay Kagawad. “I am grateful to have been part of the 4Ps. The program changed my life. From being a parent leader, I was inspired to dream of becoming a public servant,” she said. She described her graduation from the program as a lifelong honor, emphasizing that the assistance she received went beyond financial support, helping her family in education, health, and personal development. Serving her fellow household beneficiaries and the community, she added, is both a reward and responsibility.

By consistently meeting the program’s conditions, household beneficiaries not only receive the full amount of cash grants but also gain valuable knowledge and life skills that strengthen their resilience. These experiences help them build healthier routines, keep children in school, and gradually improve their ability to earn and manage resources, and eventually save. This builds a strong foundation for long-term self-reliance.

Indeed, when 4Ps household beneficiaries embrace both responsibilities and opportunities, they are empowered to pave the way to a better future, out of poverty.#