PUERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro – To address the issue of children not attending school (NAS), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA has launched a Roll-out Training on the use of the Sustaining the Interest of Children and Youth in School (SICYS) Family Development Session (FDS) Manual at Orient  de Galera Beach Resort from March 18 to 21, 2025.

The first batch of training, attended by 61 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) case managers and system focal persons from the regional office and the provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon, aims to equip participants with essential skills and strategies to implement the manual effectively.

According to the latest 4Ps education monitoring data, more than 45,000 monitored children in MIMAROPA remain out of school, with reasons including lack of interest, child labor, parental decisions, early pregnancy, and early marriage.

In her message, DSWD MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Director Sheila Tapia emphasized the program’s commitment:

“This training is not just about strengthening our knowledge and skills but also a commitment to continue our efforts to ensure that every child in MIMAROPA, especially under the program, is not deprived of education and the opportunity for a brighter future.”

The training focuses on understanding barriers to education, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and developing strategies to reintegrate out-of-school children into the education system.

Municipal Link Agustina Marie Linayao from Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, who directly handles NAS cases, shared how the training enhanced her approach:

“As a case manager, I often encounter parents and children who have lost interest in school due to financial struggles and personal circumstances. This training has given me a clearer framework on how to effectively engage families, use targeted interventions, and motivate children to return to school. It has strengthened my ability to guide them toward better opportunities.”

The next batch of training, spearheaded by the program’s Capacity Building Unit, is set to take place in April for case workers and managers from Palawan.

In closing, Tapia encouraged continued dedication to the cause:

“It is still a long way to go, but let us remember that each child we help return to school is a victory—a step closer to a better future for them, their families, and our nation.”