PUDTOL, Apayao – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)–Apayao, together with the municipal government, held the Pugay Tagumpay Program at EKB Gymnasium on August 28, 2024, aimed at recognizing the success stories of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who attained certain levels of success and have graduated from the program.
During the graduation ceremony, Municipal Mayor Hector Reuel Pascua talked about the efforts of the provincial government to reduce the poverty rate of Apayao, and how the leaders work together to help everyone.
‘Open ti municipal government nga tumulong kanyayu babaen metlang ti tulong nga aggapu kada Cong. Leah ken ni Gov. Butzy,” said the mayor.
Two hundred forty former 4Ps beneficiaries joined the event, feeling grateful for the cash grants, trainings and sessions they availed during their time as beneficiaries.
One of the former beneficiaries, Alejandro Ibale, said ‘dakkel ti iyaman ko iti 4Ps nangruna iti DSWD ta saan laeng nga pinansiyal nu di ket dagidiay adal ken respeto nga naipasagepsep ko iti pamilyak.’
Another former beneficiary, Prodalyn Uba, shared her triumph, expressing gratitude, ‘dakkel ti iyaman ko ken ni Apo Dios ta maysa ak nga beneficiary ti 4Ps. Dagidiay adal nga nasursurok idi family development sessions (FDS) maipanggep iti responsible parenthood, panag-urnong ken dadduma pay ket nai-apply ko iti pamilyak ket adda pagsayaatan na,’ she shared as she thanked the DSWD and SWAD staff who served as mentors.
Jay T. Torreliza, Social Insurance Officer of PhilHealth Apayao, and Engr. Rona Mae Bautista, Research Specialist of DOST Apayao, during the event, encouraged the former members not to worry for there are still many services they can avail, like the Consulta, livelihood aid, and educational assistance.
Rosaline T. Aloy of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office reminded the 4Ps graduates to continue guiding their household members, saying their office remains committed to assist and accept them as their partners for change.
Michelle Anne Bermillo, Social Development Officer of SWAD Apayao, for her part, motivated the participants by emphasizing the importance of having a dream. “Mahirap ang maging mahirap pero mas mahirap ang walang pangarap,” she said, adding that attaining a dream for a better future will affect their children and that the success of parents is also their success. By Loremia Pareja
