More than 200 regional directors and their representatives from nine national government agencies and partners participated in the Regional Directors Consultation Workshop (RDCW) organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from March 19 to 21 at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Conference Center in Makati City.
With the theme “Pagtataya: 4S para sa 4Ps, Strengthening Synergy towards Sustained Self-Sufficiency,” the RDCW was aimed at seeking the participants’ commitment for convergence in alleviating poverty among 2.4 million 4Ps beneficiaries who are set to graduate from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in 2026.
“As we plan to transition millions of 4Ps households out of the program by 2026, this workshop is vital in formulating more fruitful and meaningful partnerships. Over the years, we have seen the fruits of our collective efforts, from bridging data gaps, providing targeted interventions, and fostering key initiatives for stronger engagement with the local government units (LGUs),” Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera of the DSWD’s Conditional Cash Transfer Group (CCTG) said in her opening remarks.
The three-day activity convened the regional directors for a series of workshops which focused on developing a comprehensive program package for beneficiaries exiting the program across the country, ensuring their access to employment, education, and livelihood opportunities.
The RDCW 2025 formulated Regional Convergence Plans will operationalize the concrete interventions and provision of support services to the graduating and to exiting 4Ps beneficiaries.
In her closing message, Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela of the CCTG emphasized the objectives of the activity to gather updates, innovative strategies, and best practices, while also identifying concrete recommendations to strengthen program implementation via inter-agency convergence.
“For the past three days, I believe that we were able to discuss the agencies’ alignment and commitment to Patawid’s vision, mission, and goal,” Asst. Secretary Maristela said.
Asst. Secretary Maristela also mentioned the development of the regional convergence plans incorporating activities and providing tailored support, responsive programs, and strengthened assistance, that are relevant, accessible, and beneficial to all 4Ps beneficiaries.
“Throughout this RDCW, we highlighted the essential contributions of each National Advisory Council (NAC) member, in making the 4Ps a success. We have also seen that our collective efforts led us to meaningful outcomes which enhanced service delivery and reached even more families,” Asst. Secretary Maristela said.
The RDCW brought together regional directors and their representatives from the following agencies: DSWD, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Health (DOH).
The workshop aimed to consolidate accomplishments, innovations, and regional convergence plans, and to ensure that regional efforts align with national objectives, fostering a cohesive approach to achieving the long-term goals of the 4Ps.
