07/05/2026
DSWDFO2, PLGU Cagayan honor 4Ps graduates in provincial graduation ceremony
TUGUEGARAO CITY—The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 (DSWDFO2), together with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Cagayan (PLGU), honored 560 graduatin households of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) through a provincial graduation ceremony dubbed as "Pammadayaw na Paggradua na Pantawid Pamilya" held at Robinsons Place Tuguegarao on May 7, 2026.
The graduates form part of the 16,577 households in Cagayan that have successfully exited the program after achieving improved levels of well-being.
In her message, DSWD Regional Director (RD) Lucia Suyu-Alan emphasized that the ceremony was proof that government investments in poor families create lasting impact.
“Hindi kayo tamad. Hindi kayo umaasa lamang. Kayo ay mga magulang na nagsakripisyo para mapag-aral ang inyong mga anak. Kayo ay mga magulang na nagsakripisyo para mapag-aral ang inyong mga anak. Kayo ay mga pamilyang nagsumikap na sumunod sa mga kondisyon ng programa. Kayo ang kwento sa kwenta.,” Alan said as she addressed criticisms often directed at 4Ps beneficiaries.
Among the graduating households are 327 college graduates, including 30 latin honor awardees and 66 board passers.
RD Alan also urged local government units, national government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to prioritize employment opportunities for qualified 4Ps graduates and beneficiaries, in line with Regional Development Council Resolution No. 02-64, Series of 2025, which encourages government agencies and partner institutions to consider 4Ps beneficiaries for internship, Job Order, and Contract of Service positions.
One of the highlighted testimonies came from Joeann C. Menor, former 4Ps Parent Leader from Tamban, Alcala, whose family became the 2025 Regional Champion for Huwarang Pamilya and secured 2nd place in the national Salaysay ng Buhay competition.
Menor shared, “Nalubog kami dati sa utang. Makangkangngeg nak ti naglalaad nga sasau (Nakarinig kami ng masasakit na salita).” Menor also stated that the program served as a guiding light for them: “Napagtapos ko ang aming mga anak na ngayon ay Registered Agriculturist at Professional Teacher na, at ngayon ay staff na ng DSWD.”
A ceremonial turnover of cases was conducted by the agency to the PLGU and LGUs of Cagayan Province, led by Retired General Governor Edgar “Egay” Aglipay, represented by Chief of Staff Felipe H. Buena Jr. (Ret. Gen.). This signifies the LGU’s commitment to carry forward implementation and ensure continuity, with PLGUs and LGUs likewise expected to continue assisting beneficiaries toward sustaining self-sufficiency.
In his message, Governor Aglipay, through COS Buena, said, “Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cagayan ay nananatiling katuwang ninyo sa susunod na yugto ng inyong paglalakbay. Patuloy kaming lilikha ng mga oportunidad, magpapatibay ng mga sistema ng suporta, at sisiguraduhin ang pagpapatuloy ng inyong pag-unlad.”
“Gusto ni Governor na maging independent tayo dahil ito ang simula ng pagiging lider ninyo,” He said.
Also present during the ceremony were local chief executives (LCEs) and representatives from various local government units, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers (MSWDOs), and partners from national government agencies (NGAs) and civil society organizations (CSOs).