Puerto Princesa, Palawan – The Provincial Stakeholders Planning Workshop on Not Attending School (NAS) and Non-Compliant 4Ps Beneficiaries gathered local leaders, government agencies, and civil society partners in a united effort to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to stay in school and finish their education.

For two days, September 24–25, 2025, key representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), Department of Education (DepEd), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) convened to share experiences, pool resources, and map concrete interventions for children at risk of dropping out.

With the growing concern on out-of-school youth in Palawan, the workshop provided a venue to align strategies and strengthen partnerships to address the root causes of non-compliance in education among 4Ps households.

“Lagi naman at automatic na included sa Annual Investment Plan (AIP) at 3 years plan namin ang 4Ps,” shared the LYDO of Palawan, emphasizing that supporting 4Ps is not just a project, but a standing commitment woven into the province’s development agenda.

The activity highlighted the value of collaboration, with each sector bringing their strengths to the table—be it educational assistance, social awareness orientations, livelihood support, or community-based interventions. 

Stakeholders agreed that holistic support is vital to encourage children to return to school and complete their studies.

“Nakakatuwa na may 4Ps at may mga ganitong activity kung saan nakikita namin ang mga efforts ng gobyerno para sa mga estudyante at kabataan. Kaya kami ay sumusuporta sa 4Ps kahit kami ay nasa malayong isla ng Cagayancillo,” affirmed the IPMR of Cagayancillo, underscoring that the reach of the program goes beyond the mainland, touching even the most remote communities.

The workshop was also an eye-opener for partners who found value in the exchange of perspectives and the building of new linkages.

“Masaya kami na na-invite kami sa activity na ito kung saan ay mas lumawak ang aming kaalaman in terms of identifying our targets and most especially ay lumawak ang aming network. Nakakatuwang makipag-collaborate sa iba’t ibang partners para sa maayos na implementasyon ng 4Ps,” expressed Cristina Tolentino of Agape Rural Health Inc., representing the CSO sector.

By the end of the event, participants not only strengthened their knowledge of the 4Ps Act (RA 11310) but also crafted specific interventions tailored to address the reasons behind school non-attendance. 

These include enhancing data-sharing mechanisms, increasing monitoring efforts, and maximizing existing local programs and services for children and youth.

This collaborative workshop is more than just an event. It is a call to action. It is a reminder that in addressing the struggles of vulnerable children, no single institution can do it alone. 

Together, Palawan’s network of leaders, educators, advocates, and community partners are building bridges so that every child, regardless of distance or difficulty, can walk the path toward a brighter future.