Cabarroguis, Quirino | As part of the celebration of the Panagdadapun Festival 2024, the Provincial Government of Quirino hosted the regional graduation ceremony for 300 exiting households of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of Cagayan Valley on September 9, 2024 at Quirino Provincial Capitol Gymnasium.

The province of Quirino led the ceremony with 200 exited households, along with 20 graduates from college and the Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA). Other participants included 65 families from Isabela, 15 from Cagayan, and 20 from Nueva Vizcaya.

Regional Director Lucia Suyu Alan, together with the Local Chief Executives, Provincial and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Field Officers, partners from the Regional Advisory Council and Civil Society Organizations, presented the certificate of recognition to the graduating beneficiaries.

Chairperson of John Hay Management Chairperson Junnie Cua, representing Governor Dakila Cua, commended the beneficiaries and highlighted that among the graduation ceremonies he attended, 4Ps Pammadayaw na Paggaradua was truly remarkable as it highlighted the milestone of the beneficiaries in overcoming poverty.

Meanwhile, one of the 4Ps ESGPPA graduates from Quirino, Ma. Jessica Villantes, who graduated Cum Laude and is now a professional teacher, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the program for the support provided to her and her siblings.

“Ako, ang aking mga pamilya, mga 4Ps beneficiaries at mga magsisitapos ay mayroon ng susi, pakpak at malalakas nang paa upang lalong magsikap at magsipag pa tungo sa maliwanag na pangarap at kinabukasan. Ang inyo pong pabaon na inspirasyon at tulong ay makakaasang patuloy na gagamitin at bibitbitin upang harapin ang mga pagsubok sa buhay. Sa patuloy na pagsulong tungo sa kaunlaran ay ganun rin ang aming pagtulong sa bayan,” she expressed on behalf of the 300 graduates.

The local governments provided post-exit services, including cash assistance, grocery packages, and rice as tokens of support. Quirino, in particular, granted P10,000 in cash assistance to each of the 200 exited households as part of its commitment to help the families sustain the progress they achieved through the program.