About 4,800 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) graduated in this city on Tuesday, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 13 (Caraga).

“Most of those who graduated have improved their economic conditions, moving from survival to subsistence and toward self-sufficiency,” Aiza Sarmiento, the 4Ps Butuan operations team leader, said in an interview Wednesday.

Sarmiento noted that 98 percent of the graduates achieved self-sufficiency, while the remaining 2 percent completed the program due to natural attrition.

Natural attrition refers to beneficiaries who no longer have children aged 0 to 18, the age group supported by 4Ps.

“Around 400 of the 4,800 graduates were recognized during the Katumanan 2024 Graduation cum Exit Ceremony on Tuesday,” she added.

Mercy, 38, who requested anonymity, shared that she had been a 4Ps beneficiary for nearly seven years and was among those who graduated.

“My family received regular support, especially for my children’s school needs,” she said, adding that her husband received livelihood training through another government agency, which helped him find a job.

Each year, the DSWD assesses the status of 4Ps beneficiaries through the Social Welfare Development Indicator.

“Our social workers conduct house-to-house visits or meet with each 4Ps beneficiary to perform evaluations,” Sarmiento explained.

In a separate statement, DSWD-13 acknowledged the accomplishments of the beneficiaries after years of meeting program requirements.

“The DSWD-13 will continue providing guidance and assistance to help beneficiaries sustain their achievements,” the agency said. (PNA)