Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — They came from different towns of Palawan, carrying stories of struggle, hope, and determination. From September 23 to 26, 2025, these Parent Leaders (PLs) gathered at Aziza Paradise Hotel for a four-day journey of learning and empowerment — a journey that would shape them not just as community leaders, but as champions of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The training, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA, was more than a series of lectures. It was a safe space where Parent Leaders rediscovered their strength, deepened their purpose, and built the confidence to become effective advocates of the program in their communities.
From Knowledge to Advocacy
The sessions began with an in-depth review of Republic Act 11310, the law institutionalizing 4Ps, spearheaded by Project Development Officer Lovely M. Llanto. Understanding the spirit of the law and its latest developments allowed PLs to see their role beyond compliance — as voices that protect and uphold the gains of the program.
They also learned about ongoing initiatives such as the Massive Exit Strategy, beneficiary replacement processes, and the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI), equipping them to guide their fellow beneficiaries with clarity and confidence.
Leaders with Heart, Head, and Hand
But the heart of the training lay in the sessions on leadership. Through the module “Ang Bayaning Parent Leader,” facilitated by Project Development Officer Mark Joseph M. Chu, Regional Family Development Session (FDS) Focal Person, participants reflected on the qualities of a true community leader. They discovered that effective leadership is not only about skills, but about leading with the heart, head, and hand — compassion, wisdom, and action working together.
As Emiliza Roldan of Agutaya said, “Nakapagtapos ako ng education degree noon, pero nakailang pabalik-balik ako sa Maynila para sa board exam pero hindi ako nakakapasa. Hindi ko na alam kung anong mangyayari sa akin. Pero noong naging 4Ps beneficiary ang pamilya namin, ang purpose ko pala ay maging Parent Leader at pangunahan ang mga beneficiaries sa Agutaya.”
Interactive sessions also gave PLs the chance to experience real-life advocacy and communication challenges. With activities like “The 4L’s of Communication – Lakas, Linaw, Laman, at Lambing”, as well as a mock talk show, one-on-one interview, and live reportage simulation, Parent Leaders were pushed out of their comfort zones, learning to speak with confidence and impact.
For many, it was a first-time experience:
“Sanay naman kaming makipag-usap at magpaliwanag sa maraming tao dahil sa mga nasasakupan naming benepisyaryo. Pero kapag andon na talaga sa sitwasyon, kapag nasa stage na, hindi ko alam kung bakit may kaba pa rin. First time namin itong maranasan at magandang practice po ito. Ngayon, kung kailanganin man kaming magsalita at irepresenta ang Programa sa isang show, alam na namin kahit paano kung paano i-handle,” PL Gerl of Coron shared.
A Commitment to Serve
The training culminated with the drafting of Commitment Plans — concrete pledges on how Parent Leaders will apply what they learned once they return to their barangays. These included initiatives to support program validation, strengthen family development sessions, and promote 4Ps advocacy in their local communities.
As Mr. Chu emphasized:
“Parent Leaders are not just beneficiaries. They are partners, frontliners, and storytellers of transformation. By empowering them, we empower the very communities we serve.”
Leaders Who Inspire
Leaving the venue, the Parent Leaders carried more than handouts and notes. They carried a renewed sense of mission — to be Bayaning Parent Leaders who advocate and inspire their fellow beneficiaries, protect the gains of the program, and serve as living proof that 4Ps is not just about assistance, but about building lives of dignity and hope.
As Information Officer Marieneth L. Malubag expressed:
“Ang Parent Leaders ay hindi lang tagapagdala ng listahan o taga-patawag. Sila ang puso at boses ng programa sa komunidad. Sa kanilang gawa at salita, mas napapalapit sa tao ang 4Ps at mas nakikita ang totoong halaga nito.”
