In a continued effort to enhance the delivery of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office II (DSWD FO2) convened a series of Advisory Council Meetings with Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Province of Batanes on June 3-6, 2025.

The activity brought together officials from the Provincial Government of Batanes, local chief executives, representatives from national government agencies, local social welfare and development officers and 4Ps staff to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, align local strategies with national policies, and reinforce the shared commitment to improving the lives of 4P beneficiaries.

“Strengthening the program goes beyond providing assistance. It’s about building strong partnerships and harmonizing our efforts to ensure that every beneficiary is empowered to improve their level of well-being. The success of this program is a shared responsibility, and DSWD cannot do it alone,” said Lucia Suyu Alan, Regional Director of DSWD FO2.

During the activity, DSWD FO2 presented Republic Act No. 11310, which institutionalized the 4Ps as a national poverty reduction program. Participants were also reoriented on the roles and responsibilities of Provincial and Local Advisory Councils in ensuring accountability and providing policy and implementation support and on the Joint Memorandum Circular which outlines the roles of national agencies and LGUs in the program.

Another key segment focused on Case Management in the Context of 4Ps, particularly the Kilos-Unlad Framework, the 4Ps Case Referral Pathway, and the use of the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI). These tools are essential in crafting case-based, tailored interventions that lead 4Ps households toward improved well-being and self-sufficiency.

Mahatao Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Cyrus Baren, along with other participants, reaffirmed the LGUs’ continued support as key implementers of the 4Ps at the local level.

The activity forms part of DSWD FO2’s Kumustahan initiative, which includes regular dialogues with advisory councils across the Cagayan Valley Region to monitor and improve 4Ps implementation.