Ex-4Ps beneficiary passes Physicians examination

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has commended a former beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who recently passed the 2025 Physicians Licensure Examination given by the Board of Medicine.

In a post on social media, the DSWD-Cordillera congratulated Mitzi Waclin of Barangay Poblacion in Buguias, Benguet for her achievement.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said Waclin is a member of a household qualified for the 4Ps in 2012, and whom has since received monthly financial assistance from the government for the family’s daily needs and for her schooling until she completed senior high school.

“Dr. Mitzi is a living proof of what the 4Ps stands for, which is to give children from disadvantaged families an opportunity to pursue and realized their dreams despite financial limitations,” Dumlao said.

Waclin’s family officially graduated from the 4Ps in 2023. But even after exiting the program, she continued her schooling until she finished college and enrolled in Medicine.

In between responsibilities as a working student and mother, Waclin stayed focus on her goal to become a doctor.

“She pushed through, and now, the ‘M.D.’ that will soon be annexed to her last name is going to immortalize her perseverance and dedication to the career she has chosen,” Dumlao said.

She said the DSWD takes pride in all 4Ps children who managed to transform their lives through education, noting their stories highlight the essence of the government’s poverty alleviation program.

“With perseverance and the right support, dreams do come true. We hope Mitzi’s story will inspire other beneficiaries to keep striving,” Dumlao said.

Since its inception in 2008 and institutionalization in 2019 under Republic Act 11310, the 4Ps has been the government’s flagship poverty reduction strategy, investing in health, nutrition and education of children from poor households.