(from PIDS Facebook post)

Children from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) families continue to aspire for better opportunities and brighter futures, according to a recent study released by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). 

The study, titled “Dreams and Small Means: Career Aspirations of Children in the Philippine 4Ps Program,” examined the career goals of nearly 10,000 children and young adults aged 10 to 25 from economically disadvantaged families across the country, including those from 4Ps families. 

“The recent study of PIDS has affirmed what many 4Ps families have long believed, that despite economic challenges, children from poor families continue to dream big and aspire for a better future,” Atty. Mary Rose G. Oquindo-Pasibi, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) National Program Manager (NPM) of 4Ps, said on June 17. 

The findings revealed that among all respondents, nearly half (47.3%) expressed aspirations toward professional occupations, while 29.2 percent hoped to pursue careers in service and sales-related fields.

“Among the most common dream professions of 4Ps children are police officers, teachers, nurses, military officers, engineers, and doctors—occupations often associated with public service, leadership, and community development,” Director Oquindo-Pasibi added. 

The PIDS also underscored the important role of parents in shaping children’s aspirations, noting that parental expectations are among the strongest influences on the career goals of young people. 

“This finding reinforces the value of Family Development Sessions (FDS), one of the core components of the 4Ps, which strengthens parental involvement and promotes positive family engagement in children’s development,” the OIC-National Program Manager emphasized. 

Across the country, many formerly monitored children of 4Ps have completed their education and are now serving as teachers, nurses, engineers, social workers, public servants, and other professionals in their communities.

“Their journeys demonstrate that when families are supported, and children are empowered, dreams can become reality. More importantly, we are already seeing these aspirations translated into real-life success stories,” Director Oquindo-Pasibi said.

Among these success stories is Maricel T. Erispe from Brgy. Anibongan, Carmen, Davao del Norte, who recently ranked Top 9 in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) – Elementary Level with a rating of 93.00.

Born into a family of farmers, Maricel grew up helping her parents in the fields while pursuing her studies. As a former 4Ps monitored child, she shared that the Program helped ease her family’s financial burden and allowed her to focus on her education.

“Ang Pantawid Pamilya grabe ka helpful sa amoa nga mga pobre nga wala gyud dako nga income. Since elementary ko hantod senior high school, dako gyud siya nga tabang sa akoa,” Maricel said.

(The 4Ps has been a tremendous help to families like ours who have very limited income. From elementary school until senior high school, it greatly supported me in pursuing my education.)

Despite experiencing financial hardships and the loss of her father while pursuing her studies, Maricel persevered and eventually earned a degree in Bachelor of Early Childhood Education before achieving her dream of becoming one of the country’s top-performing LET examinees.

“Ayaw mo og undang sa paglaom. As 4Ps beneficiaries, dili nato sayangon ang oportunidad ug mga benepisyo nga ginahatag sa atoa. Gamiton nato kini sa tamang butang labi na sa edukasyon,” she added.

(Never lose hope. As 4Ps beneficiaries, we should not waste the opportunities and benefits being provided to us. Let us use them wisely, especially for our education.)

Maricel’s achievement reflects the aspirations highlighted in the PIDS study and demonstrates how investments in education and family development can help children from disadvantaged households reach their full potential.

As the 4Ps continues to strengthen its human capital development interventions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remains committed to helping Filipino families transform aspirations into opportunities and opportunities into lasting change. – Niño Mel Hayno Trinidad