As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games comes to an end, the whole country celebrates the amazing performance of Filipino athletes. Medal or no medal, these men and women have truly represented the immense strength, determination, and grit of the Pinoy spirit!
For the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), one particular athlete stands out: Vanessa Sarno. The 20-year-old young woman is not just an outstanding weightlifter; she comes from a household beneficiary of the agency’s flagship program, the Pantawid Pamilyong Pilipino Program (4Ps). Recently, the DSWD hailed Sarno for her performance in the Olympic Games.

DSWD Praises Filipina Weightlifter from 4Ps Household
In a Facebook post on Saturday, August 10, the DSWD congratulated Sarno for participating in the women’s 71kg division weightlifting at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“Maraming salamat sa laban, Vanessa Sarno (Thank you for the good fight, Vanessa Sarno),” said the post, which was posted on the 4Ps Facebook page.
“Ang iyong pagsabak sa women’s 71kg division weightlifting sa Paris 2024 Olympic Games ay isang inspirasyon para sa bawat Pilipino, higit lalo sa mga 4Ps households” (Your performance in the women’s 71kg division weightlifting at the Paris 2024 Olympics Games is an inspiration to all Filipinos, most especially to 4Ps households),” the post stated.
According to the DSWD, Vanessa comes from a 4Ps household beneficiary in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. Two of her younger siblings are monitored children of the program. Her mother, Emelita, is a solo parent who is currently the head of their household.
In another Facebook post, the DSWD once again commended Sarno for her performance. “Maraming salamat sa pagpapamalas ng lakas at galing ng bawat Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program household (Thank you for representing the strength and skill of every 4Ps household),” the post said.
“Ang iyong tagumpay ay isang karangalan para sa Pilipinas, lalo na sa 4Ps community. Ikaw ang patunay na ang pangarap ay kayang makamit sa pamamagitan ng dedikasyon at pagsisikap (Your achievement brings honor to the Philippines, especially to the 4Ps community. You are proof that dreams can be fulfilled through dedication and hard work),” added the post.
Aside from representing the country in the latest Olympics, Sarno is also a two-time South East Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist.
Notably, the DSWD’s 4Ps is the Philippine government’s national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program. It provides conditional cash transfer to impoverished households, aiming to improve their overall health, nutrition, and education.
As of May 31, 2024, there are 4.3 million household beneficiaries of the program all over the country.
Final Thoughts
Once again, congratulations, Vanessa! It’s not everyday that a Filipina gets to qualify for the Olympics, where the world’s best athletes compete! You may not have secured an Olympic medal this time, but we certainly look forward to seeing you more in the games to come!
Speaking of sports, there was another 4Ps beneficiary who competed in the ASEAN School Games last June 2024. Check out this article to learn more about this young gold medalist!