SOLANA, Cagayan — Fifty outstanding college graduates from beneficiary families of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) were recognized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 2 (DSWD FO2) during the “Rang-ay: Honoring the Journey of 4Ps College Graduates” held on July 9 at the Solana Municipal Gymnasium.
The recognition formed part of a larger celebration honoring the educational milestone of all 397 college graduates from 4Ps households in the municipality, highlighting the program’s long-term investment in education and human development.
Data presented during the event showed that of the 397 graduates, 201 are employed, 116 have passed licensure examinations, 29 graduated with academic distinctions, 11 were former Expanded Students’ Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA) scholars, and 83 completed their college degrees this year.
Speaking on behalf of DSWD FO2 Regional Director Lucia Suyu-Alan, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Franco Lopez said the graduates’ achievements demonstrate that education can help families break the cycle of poverty.
Lopez also clarified that while the 4Ps provides educational cash grants only to eligible children and youth up to 18 years old, many beneficiaries continue pursuing higher education through their own determination, the sacrifices of their families, scholarships, and the support of local government units and other partners.
“Their success proves that the impact of the program extends beyond the educational assistance it provides,” Lopez said, adding that the graduates serve as examples that perseverance and education can open opportunities for a better future.
The event was attended by Solana Mayor Meynard Z. Carag, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Jaymarie Durian, representatives from partner agencies, Civil Society Organizations, DSWD FO2, and the graduates, who were recognized for their academic achievements.
The DSWD said initiatives such as Rang-ay aim to inspire more children from 4Ps families to complete their education and pursue meaningful careers, reinforcing the program’s goal of empowering households toward self-sufficiency.