192 households in Santa Marcela graduate from 4Ps

Santa Marcela,Apayao- Out of the 803 household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4ps) in Santa Marcela, one hundred ninety two of them (192), as of September 20, exited from the program - signifying they are now self-sufficient, the DSWD said on Friday.

To honor said graduates for having attained level three sufficiency, a Pugay Tagumpay ceremonial graduation was held at the EKB Memorial Sports Center, featuring testimonials from selected graduates, giving of certificates, and expressing words of support from the office of the Local Chief Executive, Mayor Evelyn Martinez, and among other offices from LGU and National line agencies.

Mayor Martinez, in her previous talks, pledged her support as her commitment to continually look after the welfare of residents. Mayor Evelyn also assured the the 4Ps gtaduates that her office will do its best to provide after care services, and likewise to partner with various government agencies for additional assistance.

"I envisioned that every household in Santa Marcela is secured with diverse employment opportunities, skills trainings, livelihoods, and educational assistance...no resident should be left behind with government benefits," she stated.

Moreover, the Mayor lauded the Provincial DSWD-Swad led by its team leader Gretchen P. Garcia, PDO II-Santa Marcela MOO Jenelyn R. Salacup and April Devine Cascayan, the MSWDO headed by Ignacia Aman, and other stakeholders of the 4Ps program as they have been instrumental in the improved lives of the graduate households.

Said beneficiaries, based on the DSWD's assesment indicators, have advanced to an improved well-being, and they do not belong anymore to the list of poorest to the poor. A household is considered to graduate from the 4Ps program, when the family meets the following requirements: a) When the last monitored child in the household turns 19 or completes high school, b) the household reaches the 7-year program; c) and the household is no longer considered poor based on the latest assessment.

Furthermore, SIO-II PHIC Apayao Mr. Jay T. Torreliza, DOST -Apayao Provincial Director Engr. Debbie Glynn V. Manangkil, PGO -Supervising Administrative Officer Marie Claire M. Palattao, PDO II-SLP Mathew Binoclod, DTI -Apayao NC-Trade and Industry Development Analyst Ms. Zenaida A. Borromeo, PDO II-Santa Marcela MOO Jenelyn R. Salacup and April Devine Cascayan, and PESO Community Affairs Assistant I Jeaza Gem M. Cabigas expressed words of support to beneficiaries.

Social Welfare Officer III Michelle Ann Bermillo, meantime, did the acceptance of support in behalf of the graduates.