A total of 287 beneficiaries of the Expanded Student Grant-in-Aids Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA), also known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), will graduate today.

Of this number 97 come from CAFSD, 75 from CTE, 45 from CBEA, 22 each from CAS and COE, 13 from CASAT, 9 from CIT, and 4 from CHS.

Of these ESGP-PA scholars, 16 will receive academic honors – 15 cum laude and one with distinction. Nine of them come from CBEA, six from CTE, and one from COE.

In a ceremony tendered to them at MMSU Teatro Ilocandia last  June 1, Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco, vice president for academic affairs, thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development and its partner-agencies for the financial support of the students, saying that “this is the first time that MMSU produced this number of graduates who were beneficiaries of 4Ps”.

She said these scholars have proven that poverty is not a hindrance to their dream.

In a statement, DSWD Regional Director Marcelo Nicomedes J. Castillo reminded the graduates who benefited from the agency’s initiative to use the opportunity that they have received to improve their lives, saying that the social welfare department and its partner agencies will continue helping those who are in need.

During the ceremony, the ESGP-PA scholars expressed gratitude to the financial help bestowed unto them.

“I am lucky and blessed to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of this program,” said Nancy V. Villaruel, a graduating BS Tourism cum laude, adding that “it motivated me to do my best in achieving my aspirations.”

Also, Nika Marie Malvar, a graduating BS Accounting Technology with distinction, said she and other 4Ps graduates hope this program of the government will continue because “it has changed the lives of many.”

ESGP-PA is jointly implemented by DSWD, CHED, DOLE, and all state colleges and universities throughout the country.