ROMUALDEZ BACKS JOINT DSWD–TESDA INITIATIVE TO EMPOWER 4PS ‘GRADUATES’

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed full support for the partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in providing scholarships, skills training and certification to former beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

He hailed the joint program as a concrete demonstration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to uplifting the lives of poor Filipino families through targeted, skill-based development initiatives.

“This joint initiative of the DSWD and TESDA is a tangible manifestation of the administration’s unrelenting effort to accelerate our fight against poverty. The House of Representatives is committed to supporting laudable programs that give our people the tools to free themselves from the clutch of poverty,” Speaker Romualdez said.

On Friday, the DSWD and TESDA signed a memorandum of agreement to strengthen convergence efforts for households that have exited the 4Ps and are transitioning out of the conditional cash transfer program.

Under the agreement, TESDA will offer scholarship slots, skills training and certification to qualified 4Ps beneficiaries referred by the DSWD.

The Speaker underscored that continuous learning and upskilling for 4Ps graduates are vital in ensuring long-term success for beneficiaries.

“The 4Ps has helped thousands of families improve their lives through health and education support for their children. In today’s fast-changing, highly digital economy, we must open new opportunities for them to start afresh and further uplift their families,” the House leader said.

He emphasized that empowering beneficiaries should not be limited to conditional cash transfers. “We must also support their progress by equipping them with employable, marketable skills that will help them succeed,” Romualdez added.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said around 1.8 million households are projected to exit the 4Ps program by 2026, with over 1 million senior high school graduates expected to enter the workforce or pursue higher education and technical-vocational training.

Gatchalian emphasized that the collaboration is proof that the administration is not merely ending the culture of mendicancy in aid programs, but also fostering a culture of empowerment by unlocking the talents of beneficiaries.

In his 2024 State of the Nation Address, President Marcos highlighted that more than 420,000 families have graduated from the 4Ps program, with some of their children even becoming topnotchers in national licensure exams.

Speaker Romualdez commended the President’s foresight, saying: “This government convergence ensures that senior high school graduates from 4Ps households will not only hold diplomas or certificates, but will also have the competence and skills to secure quality, fulfilling jobs or start their own businesses.”

Citing the well-known adage about teaching a man to fish, Romualdez concluded: “Through conditional cash transfers coupled with continuous learning and skills development, we give our kababayans not just a fighting chance to escape poverty, but the power to take control of their lives, living with dignity and pride as productive Filipinos.”