Mustafa Rescober Ali of Santa Cruz, Marinduque, a former monitored child under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), is now one of the country’s new board topnotchers.
He graduated cum laude with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Rizal Technological University and placed second in the April 2025 Licensure Examination for Electrical Engineering.
Ali is not alone in this feat. He is one of a growing number of former 4Ps beneficiaries who have risen out of poverty and become professionals, proof of the effectiveness of the program’s educational and health conditionalities.
In 2024, nearly 40,000 former 4Ps beneficiaries passed various licensure exams. Of this number, 65 ranked in the Top 10 of their respective fields, a testament to the improved quality of life among the program’s beneficiaries.
The 4Ps, institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act 11310, provides conditional cash grants to over 4 million households tied to education, health and nutrition.
Another standout is Jayvee Fuentebella of Bacolod City, who topped the 2025 Electronics Technician Licensure Examination (ETLE) with a score of 95 percent, tying with four others among 2,411 examinees.
Recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also recognized the success of four former 4Ps beneficiaries who made it to the Top 10 of the May 2025 Nurse Licensure Examination.
They are Jamela Irish Casis of Aguilar, Pangasinan (6th place); Kyla Mae Narciza of Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija and Samantha Joy Eco Cruz of Lingayen, Pangasinan (both 7th place); and Alyna Kyla See of Dagupan City (8th place).
“The success of our former 4Ps monitored children proves that the program is not merely about aid but is a strong bridge to a successful life. With 4Ps, we are investing in the youth,” said DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.
Among this year’s topnotchers is Sheila Jane Doles from the University of Northern Philippines, who placed fifth in the Licensure Examination for Midwives.
Dumlao assured that the DSWD will continue enhancing and innovating the 4Ps to uplift more Filipino lives.
“The Filipino people can be assured that the DSWD will continue promoting programs that truly improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens,” Dumlao said.