The DSWD continues its efforts to ensure that child-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Pilipino Program (4Ps) have access to basic education. In Catanauan, Quezon, the 4Ps Municipal Operations Office, in partnership with the local government and the Manuel Enverga University Foundation, brought together 71 4Ps children and parents last June 26, 2024 to discuss reasons for their non-attendance to school and identify action plans to bring them back to school.

During the activity, various local stakeholders including the Rural Health Unit, Philippine National Police, Alternative Learning System, and Southern Luzon State University - Catanauan Campus presented their programs and services that children and parents can access. Other discussions included children’s rights, child labor, teenage pregnancy and family planning, and career pathing.

According to Nellie Rivera, the assigned Municipal Link in the said town, the 4Ps Municipal Operations Office initiated this activity because of the increasing number of cases of 4Ps children who are not attending school. Common reasons include early cohabitation, child labor, and disinterest to go to school.

In Catanauan, there are a total of 9,026 child-beneficiaries of the 4Ps who are of school age.

In the implementation of the 4Ps, the DSWD works with various stakeholders to instill the value of education to children and parents and to ensure that the children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to education and are continuously attending school to enable them to have better opportunities to improve their lives.