Former beneficiaries of the government’s flagship poverty-alleviation program have turned years of state support into a national academic milestone, with several monitored children of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) emerging as topnotchers in the November 2025 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

The achievement, spanning Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, was hailed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as proof of the long-term impact of sustained investment in education for low-income families.

Among the top performers was Nicole Angela S. Soro of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology–Sumacab Campus, who ranked Top 2 in the Elementary Level LET. A native of Cabanatuan City, Soro said her dream of becoming a teacher began in childhood.

“Noong bata pa ako, mahilig na talaga akong maglaro ng titser-titseran. Habang ako’y lumalaki, ang simpleng larong iyon ay naging malinaw na direksyon ng aking buhay. Hindi ko pinili ang edukasyon dahil madali ito, kundi dahil dito ko naramdaman na may saysay ang aking ginagawa,” she shared through the DSWD Field Office 3.

Also from Central Luzon, Deborah R. Notorio of San Luis, Aurora, who placed Top 10 in the Elementary Level, said 4Ps played a crucial role in helping her family sustain her education.

“I can say that being chosen as a beneficiary made a huge difference in our family—it became a constant support in my studies. In spite of not having a stable job, with the help of this program, my parents were able to provide me with necessities such as vitamins and medicines for my health, school supplies for my schooling, and other financial support. This program played a huge role for me to continue and finish my studies until high school,” Notorio said.

Central Visayas shines

Central Visayas also produced multiple LET topnotchers who credited 4Ps for shaping both their academic paths and sense of purpose.

Marjoe Mejias of Mandaue City, a graduate of Cebu Normal University, placed Top 4 in the Elementary Level and expressed his desire to give back through teaching.

“My journey as a proud beneficiary constantly inspires my pursuit of excellence. I view my education as a way to give back. By equipping myself with the values of an educator, someday, I hope to help children who face the same difficulties I once did,” Mejias said.

From Medellin, Cebu, Jake A. Pradilla, who ranked Top 9 in the Secondary Level, highlighted how the program helped his family survive and dream beyond daily hardship.

“I will always be grateful to 4Ps and to the people behind this program. It has not only helped my family survive but has also allowed us to dream of something greater. Through 4Ps, I am one step closer to making my dreams come true. I will carry this gratitude with me as I continue to encourage people around me,” Pradilla noted.

Also from Cebu, Clara Mae M. Tangpos of Dalaguete, who placed Top 9 in the Secondary Level, urged fellow beneficiaries to make the most of the assistance they receive.

“To fellow 4Ps families and monitored children, the assistance you receive is an opportunity. What you make of it matters. With perseverance and commitment to your goals, this support can grow into a future you once only dreamed of. I am deeply grateful for the foundation the program provided during the most critical years of my education,” she said.

Her fellow Dalaguete native, Clyde Zeph F. Payusan, who ranked Top 9 in the Elementary Level, described his success as a collective effort.

“This success is a shared victory. It is the result of my parents’ unending sacrifices, the guidance and assistance of 4Ps, and the belief that with perseverance and the right support, even the most difficult circumstances can lead to remarkable achievements,” Payusan said.

From Buenavista, Bohol, Niño A. Sanchez, who placed Top 10 in the Secondary Level, said 4Ps helped transform both his life and his family’s future.

“Coming from a humble family, with a carpenter father and a housewife mother, pursuing higher education has never been easy. However, the continuous support of the 4Ps gave me hope, strength, and the opportunity to continue my studies despite those circumstances. I will always be thankful and proud to be a beneficiary of 4Ps,” Sanchez said.

Completing Central Visayas’ roster of topnotchers was Leendon Gelborion of Argao, Cebu, who also ranked Top 10 in the Secondary Level and expressed gratitude to 4Ps and individuals who supported his LET journey.

From Ilocos to Palawan

Other former 4Ps monitored children from the Ilocos Region and MIMAROPA also made the LET top ranks.

Chariz Ann R. Lucero of San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, who placed Top 7 in the Secondary Level, reflected on the meaning of being a 4Ps beneficiary.

“Bilang isang 4Ps beneficiary, mas lalo kong nauunawaan na mas higit kami sa aming pinansyal na pinagdadaanan,” Lucero said.

Gylene Ayu C. Aguilar of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, a graduate of South Philippines Adventist College, ranked Top 9 in the Secondary Level with a 93.20-percent rating.

Education as a way out of poverty

In a message congratulating the topnotchers on 26 December, DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said their success underscores the program’s long-term impact.

“Ang mga kwento ng ating mga LET topnotchers ay patunay na kapag ang isang bata ay nabigyan ng sapat na suporta sa tamang panahon, nagbubunga ito ng pangmatagalang tagumpay. Sa DSWD, naniniwala kami na ang edukasyon ang isa sa pinakamabisang paraan para tuluyang makaahon sa kahirapan,” Dumlao said.

She added that the department remains committed to strengthening programs that invest in children’s potential.

“Ang 4Ps ay hindi lamang tulong-pinansyal. Isa itong pamumuhunan sa pangarap, kakayahan, at kinabukasan ng kabataang Pilipino,” Dumlao said.

From classrooms made possible by government support to the top ranks of the LET, these former 4Ps beneficiaries now stand ready to give back—proof that with the right assistance, perseverance, and belief, success is within reach.