Puerto Princesa City, Palawan — The Annual Civil Society Organization (CSO) Dialogue and Field Visit was successfully conducted on September 17–19, 2025, at Palawan Uno Hotel in Puerto Princesa City and in Barangay Antipuluan, Narra, Palawan.

The three-day activity gathered ten representatives from various CSOs, including the Global Peace Foundation, International Care Ministries, Inc., and Vision of Hope Foundation, alongside the Provincial Government of Palawan. The event aimed to deepen partnerships, review ongoing programs, and share best practices in support of families under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

A Platform for Dialogue and Hope

The field visit to Brgy. Antipuluan became a memorable part of the activity, where graduating 4Ps beneficiaries — members of the Antipuluan Livestock & Agricultural Association and the Taritien Agri-Livestock Association — openly expressed their gratitude and aspirations.

“Natutuwa naman kami kung may sasalo na ahensya ng gobyerno o CSOs na susuporta sa aming pangkabuhayan kung kami ay gagradweyt na nga sa 4Ps,” they shared during the focus group discussion.

Government Commitment

Mr. Eduardo Modesto V. Rodriguez, Provincial CSO Desk Officer, emphasized the Provincial Government’s strong support for community groups:

“Handa po ang pamunuan ng Provincial Government thru Provincial CSO Development Program na tingnan at tulungan ang lahat ng self-help groups ng 4Ps para sa pagsisiguro ng pag-maintain ng kanilang level of well-being sa pamamagitan ng pag-assess sa kanilang grupo at maisama sa listahan ng CSOs o Kooperatiba ng PGP.”

The Provincial Government further assured that it will assist CSOs with accreditation and provide technical support to ensure their sustainability.

Concrete CSO Commitments

CSO partners also made significant pledges during the dialogue. The Global Peace Foundation committed to coordinate with the Department of Education to enhance the Alternative Learning System (ALS), particularly for Indigenous families who need additional resources to guide their children’s education.

In addition, the Provincial Government pledged to help secure scholarships for qualified 4Ps beneficiaries, while CSOs committed to provide school supplies, academic tutoring, and resource speakers.

Immediate Impact for Families

For the beneficiaries, the activity brought renewed hope and affirmation of their efforts:

“Napaka-bless po namin na mayron kaming pangkabuhayan at may mga ahensya ng gobyerno na patuloy na aalalay. Lalo na po at graduate na sa senior high ang aming mga anak at magsusumikap pa kami para sa kanilang college life. Nagpapasalamat po kami at kami ay inyong nabisita. Wala mang tangan na pangako subalit umaasa kami na nakita ninyo ang aming pagpupursige pa          ra tuluyang maiangat ang aming pamumuhay,” said the officers of the Antipuluan Livestock Raiser and Agriculture Association (ALRAA).

Beyond discussions, CSO partners also extended direct assistance to 4Ps families. International Care Ministries, Inc. distributed Nutripack meals, while NCCC Cares provided meals for the community.

Strengthening Partnerships for the Future

The Annual CSO Dialogue and Field Visit reaffirmed that strong partnerships between government, CSOs, and communities are vital to sustain the gains of the 4Ps program. By sharing resources, expertise, and commitments, the collective efforts aim to ensure that families continue to thrive even after graduating from the program.