In a bid to strengthen convergence initiatives and enhance program implementation and service delivery in the province of Kalinga and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) at large, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the DSWD FO CAR and the 4Ps Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) of Kalinga held the benchmarking activity in the province of Nueva Vizcaya on 06 August 2026.
DSWD FO CAR 4Ps Regional Program Coordinator (RPC) and 4Ps Division Chief Fatima D. Florendo, 4Ps Partnership Focal Nora Rillera and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Head Rosemarites A. Oyawon spearheaded the team from the Kalinga PAC and the 4Ps Regional Program Management Office during the whole-day activity in the capital town of Bayombong.
Through on-site observation of their systems, processes, and partnership mechanisms, the learning visit aimed to draw from the best practices of the host 4Ps PAC on Poverty Alleviation (PA) of Nueva Vizcaya. The sessions emphasized the PAC’s role in aligning agency interventions, monitoring commitments, and delivering complementary services to graduating beneficiary households. Key provincial initiatives were highlighted, notably the RANG-AY Ordinance, which secures ongoing support—such as livelihood assistance, monitoring, and government service access—for households exiting 4Ps. The activity concluded with a reflection session where participants identified adaptable strategies to strengthen the Kalinga PAC and broaden local convergence efforts.
Officials and representatives from the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) as well as PAC-PA members, DSWD Field Office 2 – Cagayan Valley Assistant Regional Director (RD) for Operations Franco G. Lopez, representing RD Lucia Suyo-Alan, and 4Ps RPC and Division Chief Vicenta Pamittan facilitated the discussions and presentations on key initiatives, innovations, roadmaps and notable accomplishments of the Nueva Vizcaya PAC-PA members.
Meanwhile, among the delegates from PAC Kalinga present were different Municipal SWDOs of Kalinga, 4Ps Provincial Link Laarni Tayaban and Kiwani B. Jokico. On the other hand, PAC Nueva Vizcaya members in attendance were: Hon. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, represented by Hon. Board Member Jane Galanta-Martinez, Hon. Vice Governor Eufemia A. Dacayo, Hon. Board Member Eunice Galima-Gambol, PSWDO Flordelina C. Granada, 4Ps Provincial Link Mary Jane B. Garcia, Villafuerte Municipal Mayor Hon. Atty. Ronelie U. Valtoribio, and Provincial Anti-Poverty Focal Person Edgardo D. Sabado.
Moving forward, DSWD FO CAR 4Ps and the Kalinga PAC will leverage these insights to formulate evidence-based policies. This initiative aims to optimize monitoring, elevate local service delivery, and maximize human capital development for 4Ps beneficiaries in Kalinga and across the region. //Christian Robert M. Sandoval, IOII, DSWD FO CAR
