A total of 1,768 students from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) recently finished their tertiary education. The ESGP-PA is implemented by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

These students graduated from the five partner SUCs in region 7. These are Cebu Technological University (CTU) with 662 graduates followed by Bohol Island State University (BISU) with 619 graduates, Cebu Normal University (CNU) has 306 graduates, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), 111 graduates and Siquijor State College (SSC), 70 graduates.

Out of the 1,768 graduates, 200 received Latin honors and leadership awards.

Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre, DSWD 7 regional director congratulates the graduates for their achievement. “We also recognize the efforts and continued support that the families of these graduates gave them,” added Director Macapobre.

The program provided opportunities to 4Ps households who have children who are determined to pursue college education and qualified for the scholarship. A college degree for the children-beneficiaries opens an opportunity for them to access better employment and help them improve their lives.

“The DSWD recognizes that having a degree will not immediately improve the beneficiaries’ quality of life but provides the way to a better opportunities. Through the program, the DSWD has given these poor children and their families a chance to a better future,” said Director Macapobre.

Beneficiaries of the program are required to take up courses that are among those identified with the national development plans manpower demands. These include Information Technology (IT)-related courses in agriculture, education, science and math, engineering and health sciences-related courses.

The 4P’s or Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) is a program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households primarily of children aged 18 and below. It is implemented by the DSWD together with other government agencies to include the Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DoH).

It provides cash grants to compliant household beneficiaries with health grant worth Php 500.00 and educational grants worth Php 300.00 and Php 500.00 each to the children studying in elementary and high school, respectively. ###

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