As a flagship program of the Philippine government in human capital development, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) continues to ensure that children from low-income households stay in school through strengthened education compliance mechanisms.
At Vicente L. Basit Memorial High School in Daet, this commitment is brought to life by Elizabeth C. Cabate, a Teacher III who also serves as the school’s 4Ps Coordinator.
For Cabate, monitoring compliance is not just about checking attendance—it is about safeguarding the future of every 4Ps-monitored child.
“Ginagabayan namin sila, tinuturuan, binibigyan ng motivation at encouragement para magpatuloy sa pag-aaral at mangarap,” she shared
(We guide them, teach them, and give them motivation and encouragement to continue studying and to dream.)
As a 4Ps Coordinator, Cabate plays a crucial role in ensuring that monitored children meet the program’s education conditions, particularly regular school attendance. Through consistent monitoring and close coordination with teachers, parents, and stakeholders, she helps prevent absenteeism and identifies students who may be at risk of dropping out.
Her role demonstrates how school-based coordinators serve as key partners of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in implementing the program at the grassroots level—bridging policy and practice to ensure that no child is left behind.
Recognizing that barriers to attendance go beyond the classroom, Cabate supports and helps implement school initiatives that directly address the challenges faced by 4Ps learners.
Among these is Project WATCH, which provides school supplies such as watches to students who do not have access to basic tools for time management. A total of 32 watches were distributed to help learners come to school on time and avoid absences.
The school also implements Project Bisikleta: Ayuda para sa Eskwela, or “A Wheel for Education,” which lends bicycles to Students at Risk of Dropping Out (SARDO), including 4Ps beneficiaries who struggle with transportation costs.
Meanwhile, Project Kyout! Know Your Type offers free blood typing services for students and parents, while Project GROW—implemented in partnership with the guidance counselor and VAWC desk—addresses mental health concerns among learners.
These initiatives complement the program’s education conditions by ensuring that students are not only present in school but are also supported physically, emotionally, and socially.
Beyond compliance, Cabate also contributes to creating a learner-centered environment through peer tutoring for struggling readers and participation in programs that develop students’ talents, including music and performing arts activities.
The school also conducts various awareness campaigns and activities such as Women’s Month celebrations, anti-violence advocacy, nutrition programs, anti-drug campaigns, and environmental initiatives, with active participation from parents of 4Ps beneficiaries.
For Cabate, being both a teacher and a 4Ps Coordinator allows her to extend her impact beyond instruction and into advocacy.
Her work highlights the vital role of women in community development—serving not only as educators but also as mentors, advocates, and agents of change.
Through her dedication, 4Ps education compliance becomes more than a requirement—it becomes a pathway for children to stay in school, pursue their dreams, and build a better future.
Cabate stands as one of the many coordinators nationwide who continue to strengthen the implementation of the program, ensuring that the investment in education translates into real opportunities for every Filipino child. – Repackaged by Andrea Christine Angay (Field Office V – Bicol Region)