In celebration of the 18th Anniversary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office MIMAROPA successfully conducted a week-long anniversary celebration from July 27 to 31, 2026, bringing together Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) personnel in a meaningful tribute to the Program’s milestones and the people behind its successful implementation.

Anchored on this year’s anniversary theme, “4Ps SINAG: Labing-walong Taon ng Pagbibigay-Liwanag sa Pangarap, Pagtataya, Pagbabago, at Pagtataguyod,” the regional celebration featured a series of activities that recognized the dedication of 4Ps personnel while highlighting the Program’s enduring impact on Filipino families.

The celebration formally commenced with a gathering of RPMO personnel, where Regional Director Benchie B. Gonzales delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of commitment, compassion, and continued excellence in public service.

In his message, RD Gonzales emphasized that while the anniversary celebration may have been simple, it carried a meaningful purpose anchored on the Program’s enduring mission.

“This might be a simple anniversary celebration, but it is a meaningful one. The most powerful weapon to change the world is education… that is our primary objective. Sa bawat isang pamilya, nais nating may makapagtapos ng pag-aaral upang maputol ang siklo ng kahirapan.

Napakalaking achievement na marinig at makilala ang mga produkto ng 4Ps. At lahat ng ito ay naging posible dahil kayo ang nasa likod ng Programa. Kayo ang bumubuhay sa DSWD dahil ang 4Ps ang flagship program ng pamahalaan.

Maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong efforts, pagsisikap, at dedikasyon sa Programa. Dahil sa inyo, naipatawid natin ito nang maayos. Hindi tayo nahuhuli sa accomplishments sa buong Pilipinas, at I am proud of that,” Regional Director Gonzales said.

Throughout the week, personnel actively participated in the Why I Serve Wall, where they shared personal reflections on what inspires them to continue serving under the Program. The Then and Now: 18 Years of Service, Countless Memories exhibit likewise brought back cherished memories through the display of photographs capturing the journey of 4Ps personnel over the years.

To showcase the Program’s milestones and advocacy efforts, DSWD MIMAROPA also opened the 4Ps Legacy Corner, featuring success stories, communication materials, audio-visual presentations, and other information, education, and communication (IEC) materials that highlighted the Program’s eighteen-year journey of empowering Filipino families.

The celebration also extended to the digital space through the #4PsAt18 Social Media Challenge and the ongoing Faces Behind 4Ps online recognition series, which pays tribute to the dedicated personnel who continue to serve as the backbone of the Program across the region.

To encourage learning and engagement among personnel, the 4Ps Anniversary Trivia Challenge tested participants’ knowledge of the Program’s history, milestones, and implementation. Likewise, the 4Ps Anniversary Workspace Showcase highlighted the creativity and camaraderie of Provincial and Municipal Operations Offices through anniversary-themed office decorations using available resources, while friendly games among Regional Program Management Office personnel added fun, teamwork, and fellowship to the week-long celebration.

As a gesture of gratitude for the unwavering commitment of its workforce, the Regional Program Management Office also distributed simple anniversary tokens to all Regional Office personnel, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the successful implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. In addition, personnel received appreciation letters from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, expressing recognition for their dedication and service. Strengthening the spirit of camaraderie, RPMO personnel also shared a boodle fight lunch, providing an opportunity to celebrate the milestone together beyond the workplace.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the launch of the official trailer for “18 Faces. 18 Stories. One Purpose.” This documentary series features the personal journeys, experiences, and inspirations of selected 4Ps personnel whose stories represent the dedication and commitment of thousands of individuals working behind the Program. The full episodes are set to premiere on the official Facebook page of DSWD Field Office MIMAROPA every Friday starting August 2026.

More than commemorating eighteen years of the Program, the week-long celebration served as a tribute to the people whose passion, commitment, and service continue to transform lives and bring hope to Filipino families throughout MIMAROPA. It reaffirmed that behind every success story of 4Ps are public servants who continue to uphold its mission with integrity, compassion, and dedication.

As DSWD MIMAROPA celebrates this significant milestone, it remains steadfast in advancing inclusive social protection and empowering Filipino families through responsive programs and dedicated public service… one family, one story, and one purpose at a time.

For eighteen years, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has been more than a social protection program… it has become a testament to the dedication of public servants and the resilience of Filipino families. As DSWD MIMAROPA looks ahead, it remains committed to bringing hope, empowering communities, and transforming lives for generations to come.