ELEVEN former beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have made it to the top 10 passers list of the 2026 licensure examination for social work.
A total of 152 4Ps beneficiaries, including the 11, passed the exam.
"The DSWD proudly commends the 152 former 4Ps monitored children who passed the recent Social Workers Licensure Exam, including 11 who placed among the top 10 board passers," Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Wednesday.
"You are living proof that our efforts to combat poverty through investments in human capital are not in vain," Dumlao added.
Shane Sulapas of Panabo, Davao del Sur was ranked sixth — the highest placer among the 152.
Those who were at the 7th spot were Jhon Michael Bando of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; Jerralyn Pumicpic of Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur; Zsanynn Rose Balagosa of Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Mark Joseph Tamon of Davao City, Davao del Sur.
Those who were at the 8th were Krizelle Ann Mamalayan and Michelle Ann Regidor, both from Zamboanga City, and Mary Joy Polistico Caño of Legazpi City, Albay.
Shiryn Contalba Canillo of Malinao, Albay was ranked 9th.
Meanwhile, Ruffa Mae Espinas Lleno of Daraga, Albay and Tria Mae Bayo of Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte, were at the 10th spot.
"Congratulations to all the SWLE passers and topnotchers. The Department looks forward to the meaningful contributions that you will make to the field of social work and development," Dumlao said.
The DSWD said that as of Sept. 30, the number of former 4Ps monitored children who have passed licensure examinations was over 78,000, noting 274 of them were topnotchers.
"The top three exams with the most 4Ps topnotchers were the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) – Elementary Level with 93 former 4Ps children; 77 for LET – Secondary Level board exam; and the Social Workers Licensure Examination (SWLE) with 42," it said.
"The 4Ps serves as the national strategy for poverty reduction and human capital investment. Eligible 4Ps household-beneficiaries receive cash subsidies upon complying with conditions related to health, nutrition, and education," the DSWD added.
