As part of efforts to ensure that graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) remain financially independent, authorities in Laguna province are now planning to prioritize them for local employment.
Member-agencies of the Laguna Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) for 4Ps recently approved PAC Resolution No. 002, s.2025, urging local government units and private employers in the province to prioritize and consider Pantawid family members for suitable jobs and better career opportunities.
The resolution calls for the prioritization of senior high school and college graduates from 4Ps households for employment in both public and private institutions within Laguna.
According to the council, the measure aims to ensure that 4Ps beneficiaries achieve economic self-sufficiency by providing them access to decent work, higher income, and sustained productivity, with the hopes of reducing poverty incidence in the province.
Under the resolution, 4Ps Action Teams at the city and municipal levels will be tasked to monitor the progress of student beneficiaries and identify potential graduates.
These will then be endorsed by DSWD for referral to job placement programs, ensuring an effective transition from education to employment.
Meanwhile, The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarified that normal screening processes, qualification standards, and employment requirements of government offices and private companies will still be observed.
The social welfare department and its partner agencies are also preparing to conduct various skills development trainings to improve beneficiaries’ employability and chances of securing sustainable jobs.
Editha Bermejo, Provincial Link of the 4Ps Program in DSWD Laguna Provincial Operations Office, lauds and commended the collaboration among national government agencies and local government units in advancing initiatives that uplift the lives of Pantawid families.
“Dahil sa tool na Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI), isa po sa major variables ay economic sufficiency. Dito sa PAC resolution na ito, nakikita natin kung paano natin matutulungan silang maging self-sufficient—lalo na sa aspeto ng income, employable skills, at potential trainings na maibibigay sa tulong ng convergence,” Bermejo said.
For former 4Ps beneficiary and now Laguna PAC member Victor Gojo-Cruz of Majayjay town, the government’s initiative serves as both inspiration and practical support for beneficiaries and their children to pursue education and strive for financial independence.
“Kung titingnan natin, kulang naman talaga ang tulong na naibibigay [ng 4Ps] kumpara sa mga gastusin ng bawat pamilya. Kaya itong resolution ay isang magandang hakbang para mabigyan ng konkretong tulong at programa ang ating 4Ps beneficiaries. Habang tumataas ang gastusin sa paaralan, malaking tulong ito sa kanila,” Gojo-Cruz said.
The DSWD expressed optimism that through the active collaboration of programs on income, health, education, and social welfare, the government can break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, strengthen resilience, and enhance productivity that contributes to national development.
“Nandoon yung hope namin. Ang pitong taon ay napakabilis lang—kaya kailangan tutukan at lagyan ng magandang plano. Sana makipagtulungan ang ating partner beneficiaries sa mga ginagawa nating hakbang para maiangat sila. Nandoon ako sa pag-asang may magagawa tayo—ang Provincial Advisory Council at ang convergence,” Bermejo added.
In Laguna, a total of 23,505 families have graduated from the 4Ps program after achieving improved levels of well-being, while 24,674 households remain active beneficiaries.
(With report from the Philippine Information Agency)
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