Getting out of poverty

I received an email about how former beneficiaries of the 4Ps program have topped government licensing examinations recently.

- BOO CHANCO

That's truly heartwarming news. It shows that this program is working to lift people out of poverty by focusing on children, making sure they get adequate nutrition, health checks and education.

Mustufa Rescober Ali, a native of Santa Cruz, Marinduque, secured the second highest mark of 92.85 percent among 4,137 successful examinees in the April 2025 Licensure Examination for Registered Electrical Engineers.

Mustufa recently graduated cum laude from the state-run Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong.

And there's another one: Jayvee Fuentebella—a former 4Ps beneficiary from Bacolod City—who ranked first in the April Licensure Examination for Electronics Technicians.

I asked ChatGPT if there are similar stories and indeed, there are a few more names.

Khane Jevie Cervantes: A 4Ps beneficiary from Davao Oriental. She topped the March 2024 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers.

She attributed her success to the support received from the program.

Danny Rose Martin: from Valenzuela City, Danny Rose worked various jobs to support her family and education.

Through 4Ps and the Expanded Student Grant-In-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA) she pursued higher education at the Technological University of the Philippines.

Edy Rose Tayab and Sahanudin Benito Pumbaya: Both overcame physical disabilities and financial hardships.

Edy Rose graduated with a degree in Agribusiness Management, while Sahanudin earned a degree in Public Administration and now works with the DSWD-BARMM.

I am sure there are more.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), nearly 40,000 former 4Ps beneficiaries passed their board exams in 2024 alone, with 65 among the topnotchers.