To promote positive parenting among households of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IV-A (DSWD-CALABARZON), in partnership with Save the Children Philippines (SCP), conducted a two-day training for MaPangBata module facilitators from April 28 to 29 at the St. Jude Cooperative Hotel and Event Center in Tayabas City, Quezon.
The initiative aimed to build the capacity of provincial and local level implementers and engage Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices (PSWDOs) to garner their support for the regional rollout of the MaPangBata module.
The module on MaPangBata, rooted in the principles of the International Child Development Program (ICDP), is adopted by the 4Ps for its Family Development Sessions (FDS) to strengthen family relationships and support child development. Integrated into the 4Ps framework, it offers a holistic approach to enhancing family well-being.
Composed of four session guides, the module equips 4Ps parents to understand their children’s emotional and social needs, respond with empathy, foster a positive and nurturing environment, and prioritize their overall well-being
“Through the module, parents are equipped with practical approaches to provide emotional support, encourage learning, and nurture their children using positive, responsive parenting strategies,” 4Ps National Program Manager and Director Gemma B. Gabuya emphasized.
The training was attended by 24 participants, including 4Ps Provincial Links, PSWDOs, Social Welfare Officers (SWOs), and DSWD CALABARZON staff.
It is spearheaded by key resource persons (RPs) from the Regional Program Management Office: Nellibeth V. Mercado, Division Chief; Lorena B. Garces, FDS Focal; Leanna Marie L. Batidio, SWO III; and Aicel Reena Dela Cruz, Project Development Officer II.
SCP representatives Zenny Gread and Jade Paitan were present to oversee the activity and ensure alignment with the program’s national objectives.
The localized training follows a national initiative held earlier in the month from April 1 to 4, where 4Ps Regional Program Coordinators (RPCs) from 18 regions nationwide participated in a similar ICDP Facilitators Training in Quezon City.
“Both efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality and impact of FDS modules under the 4Ps,” Dir. Gabuya said.
To date, the DSWD and SCP has so far certified over 218 facilitators nationwide.
With the support of PSWDOs and other local stakeholders, the training in the CALABARZON region marks a vital step in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the program that promotes positive parenting at the grassroots level. #