ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Government has assured continued educational support for children of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, with Mayor Raisa Treñas announcing that those aging out of the program will be absorbed into the city’s Uswag Scholarship to ensure they can pursue college education.
The commitment comes amid growing concerns among 4Ps families about the future of their children once they reach 18 and exit the national conditional cash transfer program. Treñas addressed these concerns directly during a May 1 meeting with 4Ps parent leaders, emphasizing that the city will step in to bridge the gap.
The mayor said the local government will provide pathways not only for college education but also for technical-vocational training through the Technical Institute of Iloilo City (TIIC), expanding opportunities for employability among the youth.
“Ang tanan nga kabataan nga interesado mag-proceed sa college, ipasulod naton sa Uswag Scholarship. Kag sa mga gusto mag-take sang technical courses, ipasulod naton sa TIIC,” Treñas said.
Beyond education, the city government is also strengthening support systems for 4Ps families by expanding its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), particularly targeting mothers. Plans are underway to increase their monthly allowance to help sustain small-scale enterprises.
Treñas also highlighted ongoing health and social services, urging parents to enroll their children in the city’s “Libre Tuli” program and assuring that late registrants will still be accommodated.
Responding to healthcare concerns raised during the meeting, the mayor noted requests for dental prosthetics, particularly among mothers. While city health centers currently offer basic services such as tooth extraction, she said the local government is exploring ways to provide dentures to those in need.
“Bilang isa ka iloy, batyagan ko gid ang pagkinahanglan ninyo para sa edukasyon, livelihood kag healthcare,” she said.
Treñas stressed that the initiatives form part of a broader push to deliver inclusive social services, positioning the city government as a long-term partner in improving access to education, livelihood, and healthcare for vulnerable Ilonggo families./PN
