A memorandum of agreement has been forged between the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and SM Supermalls to provide employment for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in Central Luzon. 

The pilot testing for the project will be conducted in the Province of Pampanga targeting 400 4Ps beneficiaries who will be trained under Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Enterprise Based Training in Customer Service II from TESDA. 

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Venus F. Rebuldela said, “We are very much willing to partner with SM to help our Pantawid beneficiaries gain employment. We are looking forward to the national implementation of this program so that more beneficiaries are able to benefit from this program.” 

One of the beneficiaries, Jennifer Cunanan, 20 shared, “Gusto kong pagbutihin yung opportunity na ito kasi minsan lang dumarating ito sa amin. Malaking tulong ito di lang sa sarili ko kundi pati sa pamilya ko.” 

“Thankful po ako sa opportunity na binigay sa amin. Malaking tulong po ito sa pinansyal na kailangan ng pamilya namin.” Merissa Cunanan, 22, from San Luis, Pampanga added. 

During the training the beneficiaries will be receiving a minimum wage salary from SM and will be directly hired by SM Supermarkets and hypermarkets right after their training. They will also receive a national certificate from TESDA. 

DSWD Region 3 commits in improving the life of 4Ps beneficiaries not only by providing them financial grants for education and health, but also through bridging opportunities for them to achieve a better quality of life.  ###