The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) asked local government units and other concerned government agencies in Antique to prepare for the massive graduation of household beneficiaries enrolled with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Antique Pantawid Provincial Link Jeffrey Gabucay said in an interview on Tuesday that they will conduct a Local Chief Executive (LCE) forum on Oct. 14 and 15 as part of the preparation for the exit of household beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries will exit from the program after availing of the maximum of seven years under the 4Ps law Republic Act 11310.

“We have to prepare for the massive graduation of the household beneficiaries by next year to ensure that they can still receive continued support to overcome poverty,” Gabucay said.

Antique has 23,470 household beneficiaries, including the 5,394 households that graduated from the program last month.

The 4Ps was implemented in Antique in 2009.

“During the forum, we will be discussing with the LCEs and other government agencies on how they could further help the beneficiaries by providing them with livelihood or skills training,” Gabucay said.

Graduating 4Ps will be turned over to local government units where they are residents to receive continuing assistance since they will no longer be receiving cash grants after their graduation.

A 4Ps household beneficiary receives around PHP4,500 per month under the program for the health and educational needs of the children, and rice subsidy. (PNA)