Around 400 Parent Leaders (PLs) of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from the different municipalities of Ifugao gathered on 30 April 2025 for the celebration of the 2nd PLs Day at the Provincial Plaza, Municipality of Lagawe.
Organized by the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Ifugao through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the 2nd PLs day aims to celebrate and recognize the PLs who have long been serving as partners of 4Ps and the Municipal and Barangay LGUs in community building.
During the celebration, 4Ps National Program Manager Gemma B. Gabuya who served as the Keynote Speaker underscored the significant role of PLs in achieving the goal of the Program. Director Gabuya pointed out that they play a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty in their respective community.
“The organized group of Parent Leaders with us today is a proof of success that the Program [4Ps] really empowers communities. Our PLs play an important role in achieving the goal of the Program–to end the cycle of poverty. You have been actively supporting the education and health of your children, and you are creating a positive impact in your home and communities. May you continue to help in realizing the new communication messages of 4Ps – Pangarap, Pagtataya, Pagtataguyod, and Pagababago in your respective communities,” Director Gabuya said.
The PLs are selected 4Ps parent beneficiaries who diligently assist in conducting meetings, updating of beneficiaries’ profiles, monthly Family Development Sessions, and other voluntary efforts helpful in 4Ps implementation.
DSWD FO CAR Regional Director Maria A. Catbagan-Aplaten, PhD emphasized in her welcome message for the PLs to continue the leadership in their community and be the image of hope, strength, and inspiration for their fellow beneficiaries and families.
A parade kickstarted the activity followed by a showcase of talent through a jingle competition from different municipalities. A cash incentive was provided to the winning groups from each municipality.
The family of Peter Puh-hay, the Cordilleras Regional 4Ps Huwarang Pamilya also shared their stories of hope, hardwork, and dreams during the event. Ms. Framie Ballogan, the Provincial Exemplary Child of Ifugao and the 3rd Place of the Regional Search also shared her talent before the participants.
“We stand here today as a testament of our strong family relationship driven with hard work, discipline, and full of hopes and dreams. Let us continue to uplift each other to improve our lives,” Puh-hay shared in vernacular.
Meanwhile, Benelyn Tayaban, the PL Federation President shared that the activity further motivated them to continue their roles as leaders in their respective community.
“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa idinaos na PL day dahil nagbigay ito ng inspirasyon na ipagpatuloy ang aming tungkulin at maging ehemplo sa iba. Ang pagkakataon ay upang palakasin ang aming samahan at ugnayan kahit na kami ay nagmula sa iba’t ibang munisipyo (I am grateful for the PL day conducted because this gives us inspiration to continue our roles and be a role model to others. This opportunity strengthens our group as one despite our differences from each municipality),” Tayaban said.
During the closing ceremonies, Cecilia Unghiyon, Social Welfare Officer IV of the PSWDO recognized and thanked the efforts of the PLs and the presence of all the DSWD personnel that made the event successful.
The first Parent Leader’s Day was conducted by the Ifugao PSWDO in Lagawe in April 2024.
As of September 2024, there are 403 PLs in the entire province of Ifugao who continuously provide assistance in the smooth implementation of the program. This accounts for 16% of the total number of 2,394 PLs in the Cordillera. ### DSWD-CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Marlo C. Abyado, Jr., 4Ps Information Officer
