Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is encouraging Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) household-beneficiaries with children enrolled in Grade 12 to attend the program's 'Senior High School CareerPathWATCH.'

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao stated that the initiative aims to gather information on the preferred career pathways of 4Ps Grade 12 students. The objective is to connect them with partner agencies that can provide education, skills training, and business opportunities after they complete senior high school.

Dumlao explained that through the 4Ps SHS CareerPathWATCH, connections can be made between graduating 4Ps children and government agencies that may assist them in their chosen career paths. This assistance could come in the form of scholarship grants, job referrals, or support for business ventures.

The DSWD spokesperson emphasized that the event is specifically for 4Ps household parent-grantees and their children who are currently in Grade 12. The data collected from CareerPathWATCH will be referred to relevant agencies like the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Participation in the program will count as compliance with the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) for the monitoring period 6A, which corresponds to December. Beneficiaries are encouraged to coordinate with their case managers to receive the schedule and location of the 4Ps SHS CareerPathWATCH in their respective areas.

CareerPathWatch is part of the DSWD's continuous efforts to ensure that 4Ps households receive support for an improved quality of life. The 4Ps program, launched in 2008 and formalized through Republic Act 11310, is the Philippine government's main strategy to combat poverty. Eligible households receive conditional cash grants aimed at supporting their children's education, health, and nutrition.