Almost 9,000 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps in Iloilo City converged for the 1st Family Day held May 8 at Iloilo Sports Complex.

Indigents from the six districts of Jaro, Arevalo, Molo, Mandurriao, La Paz and City Proper enjoyed a fun-filled day highlighted by talent search, parlor games, raffle draws with lots of gifts and prizes given away.

Sara Flores of Arevalo District said in an interview that 4Ps has been a big help for her family, especially to her children.

She said her family receives P500 for nutrition and health, and P300 for the education of her children aged three to 14 years old.

"This program gave my children a chance to finish her studies," she said.

Mrs. Flores' daughter, Maria Veronica, topped the licensure exam for midwives this year.

Beneficiaries can get their money from Land Bank of the Philippines every two months.

This project is a joint initiative of Departments of Education, Health, Interior and Local Government, National Anti-poverty Commission, Land Bank of the Philippines, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Nutrition Council, Local Government units, Congressional Districts and civil society organizations.

Families enjoyed Ilonggo's Got Talent, raffle, jobs fair and awarding of scholarships by Technial Education and Skills Development Authority.

Twenty-one contestants from different districts joined the talent search, which "is one way for them to develop their talents and potentials, and to show they can be entertainers, too," said City Social Welfare and Development Officer Alfredo Villanueva.

The winner took home P10,000 while others received consolation prizes.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, in his message, encouraged the beneficiaries to strive harder to survive their families' needs, and avail of livelihood programs offered by the government.*