Four thousand three hundred thirty three beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P's) in region 9 are set to graduate from the program this year.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office 9 said that of the confirmed graduates for this year, for Zamboanga del Norte is 1,993, Zamboanga del Sur is 1,005, Zamboanga Sibugay is 550 and Zamboanga City is 785; total of 4,333.

Fung Kay Choi, DSWD 9, Information Officer for 4P's said 722 families already graduated from Zamboanga Peninsula while for Zamboanga City, graduation was moved to July since the City is under Modified Enhance Community Quarantine (MECQ) and mass gathering is prohibited.

The reasons for a family to graduate from the program are they were in the program for seven years, no more eligible children zero to 18 years old, and upon Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) Assessment that they are already self- sufficient.

Pantawid beneficiaries are receiving health grant per household ₱ 750.00 educational grants per monitored child (maximum of 3 children per household), ₱ 700.00 for senior High School, ₱ 500.00 for Junior High School and P300.00 for Elementary and rice subsidy ₱ 600.00. Payout is given every two months.

However, these beneficiaries will have to comply several conditions such as they must have themselves check at the center to include children must have complete immunization and pregnant women who are members must have complete prenatal check-up, at least 85% attendance in school, and attendance to the family development sessions being given by the DSWD.

"We hope that more than the grants that they received, ojala el mga learning que ya puede sila saca na programa such as el financial literacy and management, el disaster-preparedness, el parenting, rights of women and children, y otro pa, ojala hinde sila olvida y continue to apply it na diila vida maskin nohay ya sila na programa." Choi said.

He added, the department is happy to see the change in their lives both in their economic status and behavioral change. (R.G Antonet Go)