Las navas: The Northern Samar provincial government is assisting 100 parent-graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Las Navas town to guide them in their transition from cash grant recipients to community leaders. Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), stated that they held a pre-assessment seminar for exiting 4Ps parent-leaders in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development on August 22.

According to Philippines News Agency, Berbon emphasized that the gathering was more than an evaluation exercise, serving as a platform for parent-leaders to envision their future roles in their families and communities beyond the 4Ps program. "As part of the seminar, PEDIPO introduced its programs and services designed to help parent-leaders in their transition from capacity-building and livelihood development to economic empowerment initiatives. These interventions aim to ensure that graduating families continue to find pathways toward sustainable income, resilience, and greater self-reliance," Berbon explained.

He further noted, "This measure will help families move beyond dependency on grants and toward self-reliance, employability, and long-term resilience."

In support of this initiative, Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan has introduced House Bill 604, proposing critical amendments to Republic Act 11310, or the 4Ps Act, to emphasize livelihood and self-reliance. Ongchuan highlighted that while 4Ps has long provided essential financial assistance to poor families for children's education, health, and nutrition, his bill seeks to integrate skills development and livelihood training.

Under this proposed measure, household beneficiaries will not only receive cash grants but also be required to complete at least two accredited livelihood or skills training programs offered by government agencies, the lawmaker stated.