Bontoc 4Ps families urged: Be self-reliant

By Alpine L. Killa 

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A total of 423 families -- beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in this capital town were urged to improve their living conditions and not only depend on government grants. 

Sangguniang Bayan member Alsannyster Patingan who was keynote speaker during the 3rd general assembly of 4Ps beneficiaries Dec. 17 at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol said there was shared responsibility of beneficiaries in supporting their families and giving what is best for their children. 

He said financial assistance beneficiaries receive from government is to augment the financial needs of the family, but it is useless if the person does not know how to help herself/himself.

Also, he added, there will be no improvement in the living condition of a person who does not use what was given to her/ him by God in looking for a decent living. 

“God helps those who help themselves. We must strive to improve our lives and our conditions. If not for us, think of our children,” Patingan added.

On behalf of the municipality of Bontoc, he likewise thanked the implementers of the 4Ps for their patience and industry in bringing the program to the grassroots. 

Hannah Gao-ay of Barangay Gonogon whose family is one of the beneficiaries of 4Ps expressed her gratitude to the government testifying that the money they receive is of great help to the basic daily needs of their family. 

She added that financial assistance eased the financial burden of their family, especially that she has siblings who are in college.

According to her, a portion of the money they receive from the government is spent on the allowance of her siblings in college and payment of their boarding house. 

With this, she encouraged the other beneficiaries to use the financial assistance in its intended purpose adding that they are blessed as not all receive what is being given to them. 

Meanwhile, Project Development Officer II Laarni Tayaban from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported the breakdown of 4Ps beneficiaries per barangay. 

Of the 423 4Ps beneficiaries in Bontoc, Barangay Guina-ang had the highest number with 59. Bontoc Ili -53, Mainit – 49, Dalican – 37, Talubin -37, Caneo – 35, Tocucan – 27, Alab Proper – 26, Maligcong – 23, Barangay Samoki – 15, Barangay Caluttit – 14, Barangay Gonogon -13, Poblacion – 12, Alab Oriente – 11, Balili – 10 and Barangay Bayyo- 2. 

The 4Ps which started in 2007 is a government program that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor in the Philippines.

It aims to break the cycle of poverty by keeping children aged 0-18 healthy and in school, so they can have a better future.