On May 1, International Labor Day, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Bureau of Local Employment will hold a nationwide job fair providing special lanes to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and graduating students of the Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA).

4Ps is a program of the national government implemented through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DoH) and other national government agencies.

“Graduating and earning a degree give these poor children and their families a fighting chance to build a better future. Providing them with opportunities for decent and regular jobs takes them a step closer towards realizing their hopes and dreams. We are thankful for our partners, especially the DOLE for taking this initiative,” said DSWD OIC-Secretary Emmanuel A. Leyco.

In 2012, SGPPA was launched covering 4,000 students. This was later on expanded to cover additional 36,000 students in 2014.

The program provided opportunities to 4Ps households who have children who are determined to pursue college education and qualified for the scholarship. A college degree for the children-beneficiaries opens an opportunity for them to access better employment and help them improve their lives.

For school year 2017-2018, around 34,000 students are expected to graduate under the ESGP-PA.