Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is engaged in discussions with the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development regarding potential amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) law.
According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed enhancements to the 4Ps align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instructions during his 4th State of the Nation Address last July 28, where he called for amendments to Republic Act 11310, known as the 4Ps Law. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted the program’s role as the flagship anti-poverty initiative in the country, emphasizing its importance in breaking intergenerational poverty and investing in human capital.
In a recent meeting with Senator Erwin Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, Gatchalian discussed the need for an aftercare program for families exiting the 4Ps to prevent them from falling back into poverty. The discussions also included potential program enhancements like micro-entrepreneurship initiatives for 4Ps graduates, leveraging tools such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
Gatchalian and Tulfo agreed on the necessity of refining the government’s anti-poverty programs to shift from a culture of dependency to one of empowerment. Gatchalian emphasized the importance of balancing social welfare with long-term development solutions that can uplift Filipinos and open up economic opportunities for them and their families.
Furthermore, Gatchalian noted that President Marcos advocates for determining the graduation of 4Ps beneficiaries based on their living conditions, rather than the seven-year period mandated by law. This approach allows for flexibility, acknowledging that some families may need more or less time in the program depending on their circumstances.
The 4Ps serves as a national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program, providing conditional cash transfers to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0-18. Currently, over 4.4 million households benefit from the program.
