Camiguin: A recent 7th placer in the March 2025 licensure examination for teachers (LET) from Camiguin province has openly credited the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a pivotal factor in his academic journey and recent success.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jorean Jumalon Silmaro, a resident of Compol, Catarman, described the 4Ps program as one of the "most defining blessings" that propelled him to become a licensed professional teacher. In a statement on Thursday, Silmaro highlighted the financial struggles of his family, stating, "Before 4Ps, our income was barely enough for food and basic needs. Buying school supplies or paying for projects was a constant challenge."

Silmaro achieved the seventh spot in the March 2025 board for teachers. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the Camiguin Polytechnic State College and is currently pursuing a Master's in Education at Lourdes College in Cagayan de Oro City.

Silmaro's family officially exited the 4Ps program in 2020, having reached a level of self-sufficiency. Silmaro said the 4Ps program provided more than just financial aid for his family, "every cent spent was a reminder to work harder to overcome poverty."

Since becoming a law in 2019, the 4Ps program has been mandated to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty by providing conditional cash grants to the poorest families in the country.