VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – The Sigay town in Ilocos Sur received the award for Model Local Government Unit (LGU) for Ilocos region in the implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) during the 4Ps Partnership Summit at the Ban-aw Resort, Candon City on Oct. 9.

The event aims to recognize the efforts and initiatives of local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders, including the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and civil society organizations, in achieving their shared goal of improving the well-being of 4Ps beneficiaries.

Despite being a fifth-class municipality with limited funds, Sigay Mayor Carlo Crisanto Peredo emphasized that they are committed to doing their best to improve the lives of their residents.

Peredo said, “We thank the 4Ps of the DSWD for helping many of our youth finish their studies.”

He added, “We see to it that those who are in most need will be part of the program. When we conducted the graduation of these beneficiaries we witnessed their joy, and we hope to share this to other residents who are deserving.”

Since 2019, the local government has strictly screened the qualified recipients of the program and kept their files organized. Mayor Peredo credited this approach for making Sigay one of the LGUs that can swiftly distribute assistance.

In the most recent graduation in 2023, there were 44 beneficiaries of the program in Sigay, making up 25.14 percent of the 175 total number of beneficiaries, according to the town’s municipal social welfare and development officer Raquel Suen Dizon.

She also clarified that the graduation for the 2024 beneficiaries will be held in March 2025.

Dizon expressed their excitement about the recognition, stating that it boosts their morale and makes her feel “on cloud nine.”

She also said, “As the regional winner, we will be representing the region for this category in the nationals, and that is something that brings a lot of pressure but rest assured that we will represent Ilocos with all our might.”

DSWD FOI Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan said, “As years go by, we are seeing more and more elements of convergence, and whether that be huge or small, we are now seeing the fruits of our labors.”

She said, “It’s a continuous improvement, and I am really appreciative of the LGUs and our partners that despite and in spite of the challenges we are still ever mindful in supporting this program.”

Gopalan also explained that the 4Ps program does not promise to make the beneficiaries rich but to give their children “a fighting chance to improve their lives and become more resilient”.

The DSWD FOI also recognized various LGUs and partners with awards, including the Natatanging Parent Leader provincial award given to Estrella Sibul of Burgos, and the Natatanging Parent Group provincial award presented to the Forward Mckinley Parent Group of Galimuyod. Other honors included the Millionaire’s Club awarded to the towns of Narvacan and Banayoyo, as well as the Biggest Provincial Winner award for the town of Tagudin, among others.

The attendees pledged their commitment to the theme “Puso NATIN: Nagkakaisang Adhikain Tungo sa Ikauunlad ng Sambahayang 4Ps” during the summit by inserting heart-shaped wood pieces written with their names and signatures in the PUSO NATIN acrylic frame.