Ilocos norte: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is enhancing its Family Development Sessions (FDS) to provide more relevant and practical learning opportunities for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). According to Philippines News Agency, while in Ilocos Norte on Wednesday to gather insights from program field implementers and selected 4Ps parent leaders in this city, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the 4Ps FDS will be upgraded to adapt to the changing times. "Tinuturuan naman natin sila na maging magaling na mga parents pero in line with what's happening in our country na may mag-impluwensiya sa kaliwa't kanan - internet, bullying, at mga new age problems, sana ay may paglalalim. At 'yan ang gagawin namin (We are teaching them to be good parents, but in line with what's happening in our country with influences on all sides - internet, bullying, and new-age problems - we hope to deepen the sessions. And that's what we will do)," Gatchalian said in a media interview after a focus group discussion at the village hall of Quiling Sur. In partnership with the academe, Gatchalian said the gathered information will be incorporated under the Enhanced Family Development Session Transformative Learning Path program to empower families to become more resilient, self-reliant, and capable of making informed decisions. The upgraded sessions will equip families with knowledge and skills on self-reliance, responsible parenting, financial literacy, health and nutrition, disaster preparedness, child protection, gender sensitivity, environmental awareness, and sustainable livelihood. The improved FDS curriculum reflects the department's commitment to helping beneficiary families move beyond cash assistance by empowering them to make informed decisions and build resilient households, DSWD said. The enhanced sessions will also incorporate more interactive learning methods, community-based discussions, and partnerships with government agencies and development organizations to ens ure participants receive timely and relevant information on social services and livelihood opportunities. For program implementers, the FDS remains a cornerstone of the 4Ps, encouraging parents and guardians to invest in their children's education, health, and overall well-being while strengthening family relationships and community participation. Parent leader Edzel Simon of Barangay Nagbacalan welcomed the initiative, saying the updated sessions provide practical knowledge that can be applied in their daily lives to improve household management and economic stability. "It's good to see and talk to the DSWD Secretary in person. We hope our concerns as parent leaders will be addressed," she said.