MANILA, Nov. 24 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday reported major gains in social protection programs as the Senate reviewed its proposed 2026 budget, noting higher graduation rates of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, expanded pension support for seniors and increased funding for youth rehabilitation centers.

Sen. Pia Cayetano -sponsor of the agency's budget- confirmed that around 1.4 million families have graduated from 4Ps between 2021 and 2025, with 1.8 million more households expected to undergo mandatory exit next year upon completing the seven-year maximum duration.

The transition to livelihood has also shown promising results.

Cayetano reported that 92 percent of Sustain...