Saint Mary’s University was awarded recognition on June 19, 2026, at the Kiko Pimentel Building, LGU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. The recognition stems from the invaluable partnership, unwavering support, and dedicated service that SMU rendered in implementing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). The recognition of DSWD’s partner agencies came after the awarding of certificates to the 20 exited Pantawid households from different barangays in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. 

The ceremonial graduation of exited pamilya households has been one of DSWD’s activities for those whose status has improved. In her opening remarks and rationale of the “Pammadayaw na Paggraduar na Pantawid Pamilya”, Mary Jane B. Garcia, SWO III/OIC Provincial Link, POO Nueva Vizcaya mentioned that the exited pantawid beneficiaries are those who already attained the Self-sufficient level. It is the highest level of well-being a household can achieve under the DSWD’s Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) tool. This means the household has already successfully gained the resources and capabilities to live independently of government cash grants. The three other levels are Survival and Subsistence. 

One of the exited beneficiaries delivered an acceptance message where she mentioned how the 4Ps program has changed the course of her family’s life. Dr. Christopher Allen S. Marquez, Director of the Community Engagement and Indigenous Peoples Studies Center, attended and received the recognition on behalf of Saint Mary’s University, and was also called on the spot to deliver an inspirational message to the beneficiaries. He mentioned in his message, “Now that you have exited from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, may you all serve as an inspiration that, through commitment to accomplishing the conditions of the program, others’ plight will also improve”, and shared that Saint Mary’s University will continue its mission of providing assistance for the 4Ps program. In his closing remarks, Honorable Mayor Antonio Sergio G. Basagao dismissed negative rumors surrounding the program, revealing that bigger and better developments are on the horizon for the 4Ps beneficiaries, as evidenced by changes in the status of exited beneficiaries.

After the ceremonial graduation, the Local Advisory Council Committee met to discuss the local transition plan, during which various partner agencies were identified as contributors to achieving specific targets described in the SWDI indicators, including economic sufficiency and social adequacy. SMU has committed to providing assistance based on its existing resources and capabilities.