The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that more than 1.6 million households have already achieved self-sufficient status through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Officials said the milestone reflects the government’s long-term push to reduce intergenerational poverty by helping low-income families meet their health, education and daily living needs. As poverty reduction remains a national priority, the agency is now focusing on helping former beneficiaries sustain their progress even after graduating from the program.
The DSWD said the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) recorded the highest number of households that moved out of poverty. More than 174,000 families in the region attained self-sufficient status under the program.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region (NCR) posted more than 141,000 graduates, followed by the Ilocos Region with over 129,000. Calabarzon also recorded more than 127,000 self-sufficient households, while Central Luzon logged over 122,000.
The agency assesses beneficiaries through the Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI), which evaluates a family’s economic and social condition. Under the system, households are classified into three categories: survival, subsistence and self-sufficient.
“Throughout its almost 18 years of implementation, the 4Ps has helped over 1.6 million families to rise from poverty,” Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said, as the government pursued its goal of achieving single-digit poverty incidence before 2028.
To help families maintain stability, the program also implements the 4Ps Kilos-Unlad Social Case Management Strategy. The initiative links beneficiaries to services from local government units, national agencies and private-sector partners.
The DSWD added that graduating beneficiaries are recognized through “Pugay Tagumpay” ceremonies held with local governments. Their case records are also turned over to local government units to support continued monitoring and assistance after they exit the program.
