TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 2 (DSWDFO2) officially partnered with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) by formally signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on May 6, 2026, at the DSWD FO2 Regional Office.

Regional Director Lucia Suyu Alan delivered the opening remarks, “tayo ang mag-aangat ng ating mga kababayan”, underscoring inter-agency collaboration towards shared commitment for inclusive development and social protection.

The ceremony proceeded with the formal MOA signing between DSWD FO2 and its partner institutions, namely the Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) and iRekrut Manpower and Incorporation (IMI), signifying strengthened collaboration in the implementation of 4Ps.

As part of the program, Erwin Balahilog, PGC Area Manager of Cagayan, shared his testimony as a former beneficiary of the program. “Malaking tulong ang 4Ps sa amin. Hindi lang naman napupunta sa mga pangangailangan ng mga kapatid ko [monitored children], ang iba dun ay napupunta sa akin lalo na at malaking pamilya kami at ako ang kauna-unahang college graduate sa amin.”

While not a monitored child, Balahilog acknowledges the program’s indirect impact in helping him become the first college graduate in his family. In turn, he now supports his siblings’ education, with two already finishing their degrees—one a police officer and the other a licensed professional teacher. Driven by this experience, he has made it his advocacy to give back and now serves as a partner in the implementation of the 4Ps.

Meanwhile, Joseph Gil P. Sanchez, Area 1 Supervisor of IMI, in his message of support said, “dahil kami mismo ang humaharap sa client namin, you will expect na ma-ideliver din namin yung nais niyong maibigay namin sa inyong mga beneficiaries” and affirmed the organization’s commitment to effectively deliver services aligned with the objectives of the partnership.

As partners, IMI shall help address employment gaps among 4Ps beneficiaries, while PGC shall provide financial literacy sessions and employment opportunities.

The activity concluded with closing remarks from Franco G. Lopez, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, “maraming ng testimony that the program (4Ps) is effective” who reiterated the significant impact of the 4Ps, citing numerous testimonies as evidence of its effectiveness in promoting social development.