Some 152 former monitored children of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) passed the 2026 Social Workers Licensure Examination (SWLE), with 11 of them ranking among the country’s Top 10 examinees, according to results released following the September examination.

The 11 former 4Ps-monitored children who placed in the national Top 10 came from Bicol, Davao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga Regions. 

“These accomplishments reflect not only the determination of the young people themselves but also the support provided by their families, the 4Ps, and other educational opportunities that helped them continue their studies,” Atty. Mary Rose Oquindo-Pasibi, CESE, Director of the Office of the Program Services and Interventions under the Conditional Cash Transfer Group (CCTG) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), emphasized.   

The highest-ranked 4Ps topnotcher was Shane G. Sulapas of Panabo, Davao del Norte, who ranked 6th.

Four 4Ps beneficiaries ranked 7th: Jhon Michael C. Bando of Azpetia, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Jeralyn B. Pumicpic of Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur; Zsanynn Rose B. Balagosa of Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Mark Joseph A. Tamon of Davao City, Davao del Sur.

Three beneficiaries ranked 8th: Krizelle Ann V. Mamalayan and Michelle Ann R. Regidor, both from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, and Mary Joy Polistico Caño of Legazpi City, Albay.

Meanwhile, Shiryn Contalba Canillo of Malinao, Albay ranked 9th, while Ruffa Mae Espinas Lleno of Daraga, Albay and Tria Mae Bayo of Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, both ranked 10th.

“The results add to the growing number of former 4Ps-monitored children who have pursued higher education and entered professional careers after completing their schooling,” Director Oquindo-Pasibi said.

The reported data was based on the validation of 4Ps as of September 24 and may still increase as reports from DSWD Field Offices come in, according to the Director.

From struggling family to SWLE Top 10

For Ruffa Mae E. Lleno, who ranked 10th in the 2026 SWLE, the achievement represents a journey that began with her family’s financial struggles in Daraga, Albay.

Before her family became part of 4Ps, her father worked as a janitor while her mother was a full-time homemaker. With the family’s limited income, there were times when they had to borrow money to provide for food and school expenses.

Her family’s situation changed when they became part of 4Ps, which she said helped ease their daily financial burden, particularly in meeting their children’s education, health, and nutrition needs.

The program’s educational grant was especially significant to Lleno, allowing her family to meet school-related expenses without having to borrow money whenever she needed supplies and other requirements for her studies.

For Lleno, 4Ps became more than financial support. It reinforced the importance of education and encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a social worker.

“Nang malaman ko na nakapasa ako sa SWLE 2026 at kabilang pa sa mga topnotchers, hindi ko po talaga maipaliwanag ang sayang naramdaman ko,” Lleno said.

(When I found out that I had passed the 2026 SWLE and was also among the topnotchers, I truly could not put into words how happy I felt)

“Maraming puyat, pagod, at pagdududa sa sarili ang pinagdaanan. Pero ngayon, hawak ko na ang pangarap na iyon, at may bonus pa na pagiging topnotcher,” she added.

(There were many sleepless nights, moments of exhaustion, and times when I doubted myself. But now, I am holding on to that dream, with becoming a topnotcher as an added blessing)
Lleno credited her family and the 4Ps for helping her pursue her education and reach the milestone.

“Lubos po akong nagpapasalamat sa DSWD, lalo na sa 4Ps, na naging katuwang ng aking mga magulang upang mapagtapos ako sa pag-aaral,” she said.

(I am deeply grateful to the DSWD, particularly the 4Ps, which supported my parents in helping me complete my education)

The 4Ps topnotcher now hopes that other young people will also make the most of the opportunities available to them.

“Bilang isang 4Ps beneficiary na nangarap, nagpatuloy sa pag-aaral, pumasa sa SWLE, at naging topnotcher, masasabi kong posible ang pangarap basta samahan ito ng sipag, tiyaga, at determinasyon,” she said.

(As a 4Ps beneficiary who dreamed, persevered in her studies, passed the SWLE, and became a topnotcher, I can say that dreams are possible when they are pursued with hard work, perseverance, and determination)

The 2026 SWLE passers and topnotchers demonstrate how sustained investment in education, including cash grants and referrals to higher education support opportunities, can assist children from low-income families to excel in their chosen fields and gain opportunities to help break the cycle of poverty within their families. – Niño Mel Hayno Trinidad