To recognize the talents and showcase the stories of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) children, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the 4Ps – National Program Management Office (NPMO), held the 4Ps National Children’s Congress (NCC) 2024 from November 18 to 22 at the Waterworld Hotel in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Some 71 exemplary 4Ps children and 16 children with disabilities from different regions across the country were recognized during Araw ng Kabataan for serving as excellent examples in their households, schools, and communities.

“Ang pagtitipon na ito ay isang patunay ng ating paniniwala sa potensyal ng bawat batang pilipino na maging aktibong miyembro ng pamayanan at ng ating pangako na mamuhunan para sa isang kinabukasang pantay-pantay, kung saan walang batang naiiwan,” Undersecretary for National Household Targeting System and 4Ps Vilma B. Cabrera emphasized, as she delivered the message of Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

The children participants also presented their policy recommendations which are outputs of the 2-day workshops held as part of the NCC. Policy recommendations from this year’s Children’s congress address gender equality, disability, and social inclusion.

“Sa loob ng mahigit isang dekada, naging mahalagang plataporma ang national children’s congress para ma-empower ang ating mga 4Ps children beneficiaries na maging parte o makibahagi sa pagtanggol ng kanilang karapatan, magsilbing huwaran sa kanilang mga komunidad, at makilahok sa mga talakayan para sa mga pagbuo ng mga polisiya,” the Undersecretary pointed out.

Supported by UNICEF, this year’s theme, “EyyN-CC Squad Goals: Sama-Sama Kayang-Kaya, Bawat Bata, Bida!” emphasized inclusivity and participation, especially for children with disabilities. It also focused on fostering active citizenship among 4Ps children, as well as making an inclusive environment for every child.

“With our theme, we embrace inclusivity, ensuring that every child—regardless of their circumstances—has a voice and a role in shaping the future,” Undersecretary Cabrera said.

Undersecretary Cabrera was joined by 4Ps Deputy Program Manager for Administration Jonathan Anteza, DSWD Field Office-7 Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tony Lee, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist Rosela Agcaoili, and 4Ps Partylist Representative Jonathan Clement “JC” Abalos II, in the awarding ceremony.

The 4Ps NCC 2024 provided a platform for children to express their perspectives on children’s rights, advocate for their well-being, and engage in policy discussions.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga workshop, paglikha ng mga advocacy materials, at pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga gumagawa ng batas na hatid ng congress na ito, tinuturuan natin ang ating mga kabataan na isulong ang kanilang mga ideya, magmungkahi ng mga polisiya, at magpahayag ng kanilang mga saloobin,” the DSWD official added.

The DSWD, through the NCC, aims to amplify the voices of children, empowering them to advocate for their rights, and reinforcing the commitment to the program’s conditions while encouraging participants to lead as role models in their homes, schools, and communities.